Ring-tailed Lemur

The Ring-tailed Lemur has a slender body with a coat that is mainly grey and white in the belly region. The tail, longer than the body, has the typical alternating black and white rings. There is no apparent sexual dimorphism.

This species lives in groups of 6 to 30 individuals. These animals have developed several alarm calls, with different meanings, to alert members of their group of potential dangers. They spend most of their time on the ground and move with their tails raised, to remain visible to the rest of the group. They release secretions produced by their odorous glands that serve to mark territory. It is a species with cathemeral habits (active both day and night).

In the wild, it is difficult to count the elements of this species since they disperse over large areas of forest. However, it is estimated that their population has reduced by more than 50% in the last 30 years. The biggest threat to Ring-tailed Lemurs is deforestation. The preferred habitats of these Lemurs are already restricted to the southern and south-central parts of Madagascar and continue to decline due to annual burning practices to create new cattle pastures. Habitat loss, hunting for food in certain areas, and capture for the illegal pet trade are also major threat factors.