Ring-Tailed Lemurs are the most recognizable species of lemur. They have a body length between 39 and 46 cms (15.5 - 18 inches), a tail length between 56 and 62 cms (22 - 24 inches) and they weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 kgs (5.5 - 7.75 lbs).
They are grey in colour with a white underside. Their tail is long with distinctive black and white rings.
Habitat
Ring-Tailed Lemurs live in the forests of southern Madagascar. They are agile climbers but they spend more time on the ground than other species of lemur. They are social animals and live in groups of 5 - 25 individuals that are led by a dominant female.
Diet
Ring-Tailed Lemurs mainly eat fruit, leaves, nectar, seeds, and flowers.
Breeding
Ring-Tailed Lemurs breed between April and June and after a gestation period of 4 - 5 months, 1 - 2 young are born. By the time they reach 5 months old they are weaned and they reach sexual maturity at 2 - 3 years of age.
Predators
The main predators of Ring-Tailed Lemurs are the fossa, madagascar harrier hawks, madagascar buzzards, madagascar ground boas, civets, domestic cats, domestic dogs and humans.
Interesting Facts
Ring-Tailed Lemurs enjoy basking in the sun and they sit upright with their hands on their knees in a "sun worship" posture.
