Ring-tailed Lemur
(Lemur catta)
Facts
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IUCN NEAR THREATENED (NT)
Facts about this animal
The ring-tailed lemur is easily recognized by its dense light grey fur, grey and white face with dark rings around the eyes, and black and white ringed tail. The head-body length is about 50 cm, and also the tail is 50 cm long. The weight ranges from 3.5 to 6 kgs. There is no marked sexual dimorphism.
Ring-tailed lemurs are social animals living in large groups averaging 18 members. Like in most lemur species, females are dominant to males.
Mothers give birth once a year and twins are not uncommon. Female offspring stay in their birth group while males leave when they are three to five years old.
Did you know?
That young ring-tailed lemurs are born with blue eyes that will gradually change colour as the animals mature?
| Factsheet | |
|---|---|
| Class | MAMMALIA |
| Order | PRIMATES |
| Suborder | PROSIMIA |
| Family | LEMURIDAE |
| Name (Scientific) | Lemur catta |
| Name (English) | Ring-tailed Lemur |
| Name (French) | Lémur catta ou Maki catta |
| Name (German) | Katta |
| Name (Spanish) | Lemur colianillado |
| Local names | Malagasy: Maki, hira |
| CITES Status | Appendix I |
| CMS Status | Not listed |
Photo Copyright by
Yummifruitbat
Distribution
| Distribution | |
|---|---|
| Range | South and south-west Madagascar |
| Habitat | Dry forst and shrubland |
| Wild population | No precise data, estimated at 10,000-100,000 individuals by IUCN. |
| Zoo population | 1869 reported to ISIS (2006) |
In the Zoo
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How this animal should be transported
For air transport, Container Note 31 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.
Find this animal on ZooLex
Photo Copyright by
Chester Zoo
Why do zoos keep this animal
Ring-tailed lemurs, being social, diurnal, and appealing looking, are a perfect ambassador species for the threatened fauna and habitats of Madagascar. The ring-tailed lemur is also a species which can be displayed in "Walk-thru" exhibits, allowing for close encounters between animals and people. The public should, however, not be allowed to feed the animals.