red ruffed lemur
RED RUFFED LEMUR Scientific Name: Varecia variegata rubra Class: Mammalia Order: Primates Physical Adaptations: Females usually out-weight males Six bottom teeth form a toothcomb that they use to groom themselves and others A specialized claw on the second toes of their hind feet are used to brush their long, fluffy coat Have scent glands on their rumps used for group identification
Behavioral Adaptations: Crepuscular, active at 5—7 PM Live in social groups of 16—32 or as small as 2—5 members Females are dominate and establish the core area of the group Members of the group assist with care of young Very vocal
Habitat/Biome: rain forest
Primary Diet: Wild: fruit, vegetable matter, leaves, sap & nectar FRUGIVORE
Fun Facts: Warn each other with a complex system of at least 12 different vocalizations Lemurs have primitive primate features such as a small brain case and a prominent nose The fossa is their only known natural predator They forage throughout the forest and can cover up to 1200 meters in a day
DISTRIBUTION: Northeastern Madagascar
Additional Notes:
Status: Population trend: decreasing
Gestation: 90—102 days Weight: 7 to 10 lbs. Life Span: up to 27 years in captivity
Special Notes: IUCN Category: Endangered CITES Listing: Appendix l Threats Include: Habitat destruction, hunting and commercial exportation
Information Sources (2/2011) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animals Facts World Conservation Society Red List Bronx Zoo Animal Diversity Web, Un. Of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Behavioral Adaptations: Crepuscular, active at 5—7 PM Live in social groups of 16—32 or as small as 2—5 members Females are dominate and establish the core area of the group Members of the group assist with care of young Very vocal
Habitat/Biome: rain forest
Primary Diet: Wild: fruit, vegetable matter, leaves, sap & nectar FRUGIVORE
Fun Facts: Warn each other with a complex system of at least 12 different vocalizations Lemurs have primitive primate features such as a small brain case and a prominent nose The fossa is their only known natural predator They forage throughout the forest and can cover up to 1200 meters in a day
DISTRIBUTION: Northeastern Madagascar
Additional Notes:
Status: Population trend: decreasing
Gestation: 90—102 days Weight: 7 to 10 lbs. Life Span: up to 27 years in captivity
Special Notes: IUCN Category: Endangered CITES Listing: Appendix l Threats Include: Habitat destruction, hunting and commercial exportation
Information Sources (2/2011) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animals Facts World Conservation Society Red List Bronx Zoo Animal Diversity Web, Un. Of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
