Where does the ring-tailed lemur live?
The ring-tailed lemur lives in Madagascar, where it is endemic. It is found in the south of the island, from gallery forests to spiny scrub and dry forests. It is the most terrestrial lemur: it moves as easily in the trees as on the ground. A troop occupies a home range of 6 to 35 hectares, and usually stays in the same part of it for three or four days before moving.
What does the ring-tailed lemur eat?
The ring-tailed lemur is omnivorous and strictly diurnal. It lives in troops that typically number 6 to 25, sometimes more than 30, led by a dominant female. To keep warm and reaffirm bonds, the group huddles together. Members also groom each other, which reinforces social and family ties and rids them of insects. Its long tail ringed in black and white makes it the best-known lemur.
Is the ring-tailed lemur endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Endangered. Like all lemurs, it exists only in Madagascar, and that is where its species is threatened.
All 71 threatened animals ›
