Ruffed Lemur - Varecia variegata:
There are two very distinct subspecies of the Ruffed lemur; (Varecia variegata variegata) the Black and White Ruffed Lemur, and (V. Variegata rubra) the Red-ruffed Lemur.
The Red-ruffed Lemur is confined to the Masoala Peninsula above the Antanambalana River while the Black Ruffed Lemur is distributed within suitable habitat from the Antanambalana River, along the east coast of Madagascar, to the Mananara River. The Red-ruffed Lemur does not occur in any protected areas; however the establishment of a National Park upon the Masoala Peninsula will give some security to the conservation of this subspecies.
Size:The Ruffed lemur has a head and body length of 51 to 60cm. Its tail is 56 to 65cm in length.
Weight: Adult Ruffed lemurs weigh approximately 3.2 to 4.5kg, females being the heavier one.
Distribution: This species is found in Madagascar along the East coast living in the canopy of the humid rainforests.
Appearance: The Ruffed lemur is the largest of its species. The color and apperance of the Ruffed lemur depends on its sub-species, but the fur of the Ruffed lemur is soft and thick. For the red-ruffed lemur, much of the fur is red with black underparts and tail and white patches on the limbs. For the Black Ruffed lemur, its fur black with large white areas on limbs, back and head.
Credit to: Duke University Primate Center http://www.duke.edu/web/primate/bwruff.html)
Behavior: The Ruffed lemur is a monogamous species in which the pair and its offspring form the social group. They often live in small groups of between 2-5 individuals; usually a pair and their young.
The ruffed lemur is also mostly active from 5 to 7 pm. Trees are where the Ruffed lemurs live, running from branch to branch, rarely leaving them. In addition, they are very shy and timid. Ruffed lemurs use loud calls to identify danger and to distinguish between social groups.
Natural predators that can trigger alarms in Madagascar include boa constrictors, eagles and hawks, and the fossa (a weasel-like animal found only in Madagascar) One individual ruffed lemur can set off an alarm call that will alert even the furthest ranging group members.
Diet: The Ruffed Lemur is primarily a frugivorous species. It feeds mostly on fruits, though leaves, nectar and seeds are taken as well.
Lifespan: Ruffed Lemurs usually live up to 26 years.
Reproduction: Typically this species gives birth to a single offspring, however twins and triplets have been observed. The females are only fertile for one day out of the year.
Credit to: Duke University Primate Center http://www.duke.edu/web/primate/bwruff.html)
Gestation of the Ruffed Lemur is about 90 - 102 days, relatively shorter than other Lemurs. Females can also become pregnant at 20 months.
Ruffed Lemurs breed during the months of May, June and July with infants born approximately 3 months later. Ruffed lemurs are the only primates to have litters of offspring, and can produce up to 6 infants in one litter. Females possess six mammary glands and can, therefore, nurse all offspring simultaneously. Females do not carry their offspring on their stomachs or backs like most primates, but rather leave their litters in nests of leaves while they forage alone.
Why is it endangered: The Ruffed Lemur is endangered mainly due to the loss of habitat, poaching and sale as pets. Since the start if the century, agricultural expansion and the population boom has destroyed the homes of the Ruffed Lemurs. Forests are destroyed by clearcutting for timber, overgrazing, slash-and-burn agriculture, and to make room for vanilla and cocoa plantations. Only one-tenth of the original forest vegetation of Madagascar exists today. Today, Ruffed Lemurs are commonly kept as pets in places like Madagascar and even the States. Lemurs are also poached for their meat and fur.
Lemurs have comb-like front teeth that are used for grooming and they often sun-bathe. For this reason, human natives used to regard the animals as sacred animals worshipping the sun.
Ruffed lemurs are the largest of the 'true' lemurs and weigh 7 to 12 pounds.
Credit to: Duke University Primate Center http://www.duke.edu/web/primate/bwruff.html)
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