Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm).
 
Black & White Ruffed Lemur
Varecia variegata variegata
Eastern Madagascar

Measurements

Total length: 1200mm
Weight: 3- 4 kg

Diet

Mainly fruit and nectar but also leaves and seeds

Identification

The largest of the true lemur species, the black and white ruffed lemur is one of two sub-species formerly recognised (at least two other forms have been indentified). They produce a loud 'barking' call to signal territory and to strengthen group bonds.

Behaviour

Arboreal (Tree dwelling)
Active: Diurnal or day-time
Group Size: 4 - 20 (8 average)
Home range: 2 - 10 hectares

 

Distribution & Habitat

Rainforests of eastern Madagascar.

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. Unlike other species, which carry their one or two young around with them, they raise a litter of three or four in a nest.

Conservation

This is the only species of lemur to be re-introduced into Madagascar - a project spear-headed by the Duke University Primate Center in the USA and the Madagascar Fauna Group. The introduction location is the Betampona Reserve in the east. Most of Madagascar's remaining primary forest is now restricted to the parks and reserves.