Black and White Ruffed Lemur - Five Sisters Zoo

One of the largest lemur species, black and white ruffed lemurs possess a thick and dense coat of fur to keep them warm and dry in the canopy of the rainforest. As their name suggests, individuals are black and white in colour. They have long tails that allow them to balance high in trees, and will build nests to house their young in the weeks following birth. Females generally give birth to multiple offspring at a time, with 2-4 being most common.

 

Check out our conservation partner, SEED Madagascar, to see how a visit to Five Sisters Zoo is helping lemurs in Madagascar!

FSZ and SEED Madagascar

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; fruits, nectar and pollen with supplements of berries and seeds.

Weight: 3-4.5 kg

Length: 50-55 cm

Habitat: Madagascar; Rainforest in the north and east of the island

Life span: 19 years in the wild, over 30 under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • The largest pollinator in Madagascar and one of the largest in the world, they disperse seeds and pollen which grow into plants the lemurs will eat in the future

  • Individuals have a wide range of vocalisations to communicate
  • Their long tails assist in balance and support quick movements in the trees

Threats

  • Habitat loss due to deforestation, slash and burn agriculture, illegal mining and logging
  • Poaching and hunting

IUCN Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

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