Black and White Ruffed Lemur

Black and White Ruffed Lemur
Varecia variegata

Like all lemurs, this luxuriously furred species is only found in Madagascar. Lemurs are primates and represent an early evolutionary offshoot of the primate family. Ruffed Lemurs are diurnal, foraging during the day in the rainforest canopy for fruit, nectar and leaves. They frequently hang upside-down to reach favoured items. Ruffed Lemurs live in groups of 2 to16 individuals and are highly vocal, having loud raucous barking calls. Deforestation and hunting are serious threats.

Distribution: eastern Madagascar
Conservation status: Critically Endangered
Evolutionary distinctiveness: Low