White-belted Ruffed Lemur - Five Sisters Zoo

A sub-species of the Black and White Ruffed Lemur, the White-belted Ruffed Lemur is one of several Critically Endangered species cared for by Five Sisters Zoo. An arboreal (tree-dwelling) species, they have a thick coat to protect them from the rain and chill high up in the rainforest canopy. They are a critically important pollinator for the forest, as are many other lemur species. For the White-belted Ruffed Lemur, their long snout and tongue allows them to reach into flowers for nectar while also covering their faces in pollen, which they then disperse across the forest as they travel looking for more food. They are one of the largest known lemur species.

Facts

Diet: Frugivore; fruits and nectar are the majority of their diet, though seeds and nuts also play a role.

Weight: 3 to 4.5 kilos

Length: 50 to 55 centimetres plus 60cm for their tail

Habitat: Eastern Madagascar; forest with thick tree cover

Life span: 19-30 years in the wild, up to 36 years under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Mothers will build nests in the trees to house their young and keep them safe
  • Lemurs will use a wide range of vocal calls to communicate even when they can not see each other

Threats

  • Poaching for meat and fur
  • Slash-and-burn agriculture
  • Mining which causes habitat loss

IUCN Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

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