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Ring-tailed
Lemur
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Lemur
catta
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Southern
Madagascar
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Measurements
Total length: 1000mm
Weight: 2 - 2.5 kg
About the size of a domestic cat
Identification
A medium size lemur with a grey upper coat, white underside and the unmistakable black and white ringed tail . A monomorphic species the study of group behaviour may be the best indicator as to the sexs of individuals.
Behaviour
Arboreal (Tree dwelling)
Active: Diurnal or day-time
Group Size: 4 - 20 (8 average)
Home range: 2 - 10 hectares
Active for most of the day, it spends more of its time on the ground than other lemurs, congregating in large family groups of up to 20 or so. The distinctive black and white tail enables group members to keep in visual contact with one another. The tail is also used as a method to ward off potential rivals. Male rub scent into the tail from glands in their wrists, then waft their tails in the opponants general direction in what is commonly known as a 'stink fight'.
Habitat & Distribution
Dry, spiny and deciduous forests of south and southwestern Madagascar
Diet
Leaves, fruits, flowers, stems, insects.
Reproduction
Seasonal births: March in UK, September in Madagascar
Gestation: 120 days
Birth weight: 70 - 80 grams
No. Young: 1 - 2 Young have to cling to their mothers underside from birth, until they are mature enough 'piggy-back' at around three weeks old. By 3 months the young have begun to master the climbing skills and start to take solid food. They reach sexual maturity by 2 years of age.
Conservation
CITIES Appendix 1 - threatened species - European Studbook(ESB) captive breeding programme. Like many of the lemur species, loss of habitat is their major threat.