Eastern woolly lemur  (Avahi laniger)

Description

While the common name of the woolly lemurs refers to their thick, tightly-curled fur, the generic name is an interpretation of their high-pitched defensive call, ava hee. Like all species in the genus, the eastern woolly lemur possesses a long, thin tail and elongated, powerful hind limbs that enable it to leap spectacular distances from one vertical perch to another (2) (4) (5). The upperparts of its body are grey-brown to reddish, becoming paler towards the rump, with the tail being noticeably rufous. The chest and abdomen are a much paler grey, while the backs of the thighs have conspicuous and highly distinctive white patches (2) (4). A small rounded head, large eyes and mostly hidden ears gives its face an almost owl-like appearance (4). Originally, Avahi laniger was split into two subspecies, but in 1990, the slightly smaller and paler, western woolly lemur was elevated to full species status as Avahi occidentalis (2) (4).

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