Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur | Zoo Aquarium Madrid

Meet the Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur!

It belongs to the order of the prosimians, that is, it is a primate with little evolution. It has nails on its toes, although it retains a claw on the second toe of its hind leg for grooming.

It has a very good sense of smell and very good night vision.

It is found only in Madagascar. It is known locally as hira or maky, and lives in the lowland tropical forests of the eastern regions of the island.

What are its habits?

During the day it sleeps in nests built in the forks of trees to protect itself from predators, including eagles. When it wants to communicate with the rest of the group it gives a series of grunts that go “in crescendo” so that it makes itself heard in the dark at great distances.

It is an omnivorous animal, its diet is based on leaves, fruits and other plant substances.

Conservation

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

Lemurs are named after the ghosts or spirits of Roman mythology, due to the loud vocalizations they emit, their bright eyes and the nocturnal habits of some of their species.