Ring-tailed lemur  (Lemur catta)

Impossible to confuse with any other species, the ring-tailed lemur has a distinctive long and bushy black-and-white-ringed tail. These medium-sized lemurs move quadrupedally and are the most terrestrial of Madagascar's primates. The back is greyish-brown and the rump and limbs are grey. The underparts are cream and the neck and crown are dark grey. The face is white with large, dark, triangular patches around the eyes. The snout is also dark, but the ears are lighter than the crown. An isolated population in the Andringitra Massif has a slightly different appearance, tending towards darker, redder fur and with fewer black rings on the tail. The taxonomic status of this population has not yet been determined (2).

Endemic to south-central and southwest Madagascar (1), with an isolated population in the Andringitra Massif on the south-eastern plateau (2).

The ring-tailed lemur inhabits dry brush and scrub, as well as closed canopy forest. Unlike other lemur species it is found in open areas and will walk along the ground as well as moving between the trees (1). The population in the Andringitra Massif is found at higher elevations with exposed rocks, low bush and sub-alpine vegetation (2).

Both sexes of the ring-tailed lemur maintain complex dominance relationships, but there are no actual hierarchies (3). Both males and females mark their territory boundaries; females use genital smears and males use scent from a wrist gland that they gouge into bark with the help of a horny pad on the wrist. However, home ranges overlap, and groups, numbering between 3 and 20 individuals, may come into contact. In such circumstances females will attempt to intimidate the opposing group by staring, and occasionally will fight briefly before retreating to the centre of the range (2).

Following increased scent marking by females (5), mating takes place in a short period in mid April, resulting in synchronous births four months later in August and September (2). The purpose of this careful timing is to ensure that the young are weaned just as fruit becomes plentiful. Males compete for access to females, daubing their tails with scent from their wrist glands and wafting this pungent odour towards their opponent. These stink fights are commonly sufficient to establish rank, but fights can occur. Males might move between groups during the mating season to impregnate as many females as possible. After 134 – 138 days of gestation the females give birth to one or occasionally two young (3). Groups of females share the parental duties and form crèches. Young initially cling to the underside of a female, but will ride on her back when larger (6). All male offspring leave their natal group once mature, and will continue to transfer groups every three to five years throughout their life (2).

These diurnal lemurs feed on the fruit, leaves, flowers, bark and sap from over 30 plant species (1). They are particularly social; sunbathing in groups in a characteristic yoga-like position, as well as spending much of their time grooming each other (7). They are also highly communicative, using several calls to unite members of a group, defend the territory and sound the alarm. Predators include the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) which preys upon both young and adults, as well as the Madagascar harrier hawk (Polyboroides radiatus) and the Madagascar buzzard (Buteo brachypterus) which only take young (2).

Satellite imagery of Madagascar over the last few decades has revealed the full extent of habitat loss that the island has suffered. Fires, over-grazing by livestock, tree-cutting for charcoal production, and development have all contributed to the severe changes that this unique island has seen (7). The ring-tailed lemur is still hunted in many areas and individuals are trapped and kept as pets (2).

Despite being so well-known and valued, the ring-tailed lemur is thought to be at serious long-term risk, so conservation action is important. It is found in all five of the protected areas in its range, as well as two private reserves. Much research is being carried out on ring-tailed lemur populations to discover more about their behaviour, ecology and movements. There is a large and active captive breeding programme for this species, as many individuals are held in captivity around the world (2).

For further information on this species see: Garbutt, N. (1999) Mammals of Madagascar. Pica Press, East Sussex.

For more information about lemurs see the Lemur Conservation Foundation website:
http://www.lemurreserve.org/

Authenticated (31/10/2005) by Matt Richardson, independent primatologist and writer.