Ruffed lemur  (Varecia variegata)

The ruffed lemur is the largest of the lemur family, and is divided into two very distinctive subspecies; the black-and-white ruffed lemur (V. variegata) and the red ruffed lemur (V. rubra) (2). The two subspecies are similar in shape, size, life history and behaviour but are different in colouration and habitat. The black-and-white ruffed lemur has, as its name suggests, a black and white pelage with white tufted ears, a long tail and bright, beady yellow eyes (5). The red ruffed lemur is a striking chestnut red colour, with a much more dense and luxuriant pelage, and a black coloured face, limbs and tail. Recent genetic studies strongly suggest that these two forms merit distinction as separate species, though a decision has not been made as yet (2).

The ruffed lemur, like all other lemurs, is endemic to Madagascar, a large island off the east coast of Africa. The black-and-white ruffed lemur inhabits the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, while the red ruffed lemur is restricted to the north east of the island and lives in the primary and secondary forests of the Masoala Peninsula. The Antainambalana River divides the ranges of these two subspecies (3).

This species inhabits primary and secondary lowland and mid-altitude rainforest in Madagascar (2).

The ruffed lemurs are arboreal forest dwellers, getting around by walking or running on larger branches and leaping from tree to tree (5). They enjoy a rich diet of fruit, nectar, seeds and leaves, obtaining the nectar by using their long snouts and tongues to reach deep inside the flowers. They are active mainly in the early morning and late afternoon (6), though nocturnal behaviour has been observed. Indeed the word ‘lemur' means a ‘night wandering ghost' referring to their stealthy, noiseless movement through the forest by night. When alarmed by predators, however, these primates are far from quiet, emitting an elaborate system of loud barks through the forest to alert other group members (3).

These lemurs are social animals, with group sizes typically varying from 2-5 individuals, but occasionally numbering up to 30; their home ranges vary in size accordingly (6). Within the group the strongest bonds form between females, whilst those between males are much weaker. Interestingly, females are dominant to males, forming the core of the group and defending the territories, a system common only to Malagasy lemurs (3). Grouping patterns also change with the seasons, with females forming larger groups during the wet season and dispersing during the dry season in search of food. Social bonds in groups are established and reinforced by grooming, but whereas most other primates groom with their fingers, prosimians such as the ruffed lemur cannot manipulate their fingers and instead have developed an usual fascinating behaviour; their 6 bottom teeth project away from the jaw to form a comb which these primates use to groom their fur and the fur of other group members (3).

The ruffed lemur reproduces seasonally with mating occurring between May and July, and the offspring are born in September and October (6). Unlike other lemurs, the ruffed lemurs give birth in well-concealed nests constructed of twigs and leaves, held 10 – 20 meters above the ground. Twins are the norm and after only four months the young are independent and as mobile and active as adults. However, infant mortality is high with about 65% of offspring failing to reach 3 months of age, dying from accidental falls and related injuries (2).

As with other lemur species, the ruffed lemurs are threatened by habitat loss through logging and development in Madagascar (6). While this is a problem in many areas worldwide, Madagascar is particularly sensitive as it is an island and therefore has a limited amount of land for its wildlife and expanding human population (2). The ruffed lemur species seems to be particularly susceptible due to its high dependence on large fruiting trees for food in primary forest (2). These animals are also at risk due to extensive hunting on the island for meat and for sale as pets (5).

Since 1994, international trade in ruffed lemur has been prohibited by their listing on Appendix 1 of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) (4). However, there is a greater threat of habitat destruction. Only about 10% of Madagascar's native vegetation now remains and so conservation efforts are being focussed on protecting the few existing patches of forests (3). The black-and-white ruffed lemur is known to occur in at least ten protected areas in Madagascar, though its numbers are sadly still declining (2). Tragically, the only protected area in which the red ruffed lemur was known to occur, the former Masoala Nature Reserve, was degazzetted in 1964 to permit timbering (9). This has had on-going devastating consequences for the ruffed lemur and other wildlife. In 1997 the Masoala National Park was re-opened, administered by ANGAP, an NGO affiliated with the Malagasy Government, with assistance from the Wildlife Conservation Society, Missouri Botanical Garden, CARE and the Peregrine Fund. This goes far toward protecting the red ruffed lemurs (11). As a result the Missouri Botanical Garden has taken action and proposed the creation of a 300,000 hectare national park on the Masoala Peninsula, with funding from USAID and other sources. There are also plans for staff training, research facilities and education programmes, with responsibility for the parks management lying with the regional forest association (9). It is hoped that this reserve will be a safe-haven for the red ruffed lemur.

In North America, a captive breeding project for the ruffed lemur has been underway since the 1960s, under the Species Survival Plan (SSP) (10). The project has focused on increasing the genetic diversity of both the red and black-and-white ruffed lemur subspecies (10). Although this project has been a success, housing space for the lemurs is limited, restricting the success of the breeding program (10). Nine individuals of the black and white form were re-introduced to the Betampona Reserve in the Eastern forest between 1997 and 2001. This was a complex operation, beginning with choosing the captive ruffed which were genetically closest to the wild population of the local region. The released lemurs were closely monitored because animals which did not grow up in the wild have great difficulty in adapting. They fall prey to predators, or simply fall out of trees. Only one male survives, now integrated into a wild group, and one other pair produced triplets. Reintroduction is a long and costly process compared to protecting animals in their original habitat (12). It is hoped that ruffed lemurs will be reintroduced in Madagascar, though it is imperative that the reintroduction areas are declared safe first (2). There is now new hope for the ruffed lemur in Madagascar with captive breeding projects successfully underway, reintroduction programmes on the horizon and reserves being reviewed in Madagascar. It is however important that these become long term projects in order to allow the ruffed lemur time and space to recover (2).

Authenticated by Alison Jolly, Sussex University (26/02/05).