Main Characteristics

The Malayan Flying Lemur is one of only two species of Flying Lemur, the other one being the Philippine Flying Lemur. They have a body length between 33 and 42 cms (13 - 16.5 inches), a tail length between 17.5 and 27 cms (7 - 10.5 inches) and they weigh between 0.9 and 2 Kgs (2 - 4.5 lbs).

They have fine, short fur and it is reddish or brownish grey in colour with light flecks and they have a paler coloured underside. Their head is small and they have large, forward facing eyes. They have small, rounded ears and a blunt muzzle.

A strong, kite-shaped, membrane, know as the patagium, surrounds their body and when they extend this it enables them to glide over 100 m (328 ft) between trees with very little loss in height.

Malayan Flying Lemurs are active at twilight and at night.

Habitat

Malayan Flying Lemurs are found in the rainforests throughout South East Asia. They live alone or in small loose groups and they spend their time in dense foliage high in the tree canopy or in tree holes.

Diet

Malayan Flying Lemurs mainly feed upon flowers, buds, shoots, young leaves, fruit, nectar and sap.

Breeding

After a gestation period of approximately 60 days, Malayan Flying Lemurs give birth to a single offspring. The mother carries her young in a skin membrane on her abdomen. They are weaned by the time they reach 6 months old.

Predators


Subspecies

Malayan Flying Lemurs have no subspecies.

Interesting Facts

Malayan Flying Lemurs are also known as:
Sunda Flying Lemur

Flying Lemurs are also known as Colugos.

The name flying lemur is misleading, as they are not lemurs and they cannot truly fly.

Similar Animals

Philippine Flying Lemur