How Are Ring Tailed Lemurs Different From Other Lemurs?

Home to more than 60 different kinds of lemur, Madagascar is one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is possibly the best-known lemur to residents outside of Madagascar, most likely because it can be seen in zoos around the world and is easily identified by its long black-and-white-ringed tail. Lemurs are primates, and like monkeys they live in forests. Their size ranges from the largest indri lemur, which weighs about 16 lbs. to the pygmy mouse lemur, which generally weighs less than 1 oz.

  1. Habitat

    • Lemurs are forest dwellers. Ring-tailed lemurs and brown lemurs (also known as the "true" lemur) are at ease scampering across the floor of the forest on all fours. Ring-tailed lemurs, indeed, spend more time on the ground than any other lemur species. Other species of lemur prefer to stay in trees. The other exception are sifaka lemurs, which hop across the ground like kangaroos, only they go sideways. Ring-tailed lemurs are diurnal --active during the day. Some other species of lemurs are nocturnal, including dwarf lemurs, mouse lemurs and aye-ayes. Nocturnal lemurs can be identified by their big eyes.

    Feeding Habits

    • Ring-tailed and some other lemurs are herbivores. Their diet consists of products they can find in the forest, including fruits, flowers, buds, bark, sap, seeds and leaves. Mouse lemurs and others are omnivores, which, in addition to plants, eat insects, eggs, frogs and lizards. The aye-aye lemur eats larvae.

    Family Life

    • Ring-tailed lemurs are the most gregarious and live in large troops of up to 25 members, while other species of lemurs have smaller family groups of 3 to 12 members. All groups recognize older females as their leaders; these leaders enjoy the greatest comforts but also fight to protect their family members. Lemurs communicate with sounds and smells, and can release different scents from glands on various parts of their bodies. When male lemurs fight they release "stink" scents.

    Reproduction

    • Lemurs are mammals and the babies feed on their mothers' milk. Ring-tailed lemurs, sifakas and some other species give birth to only one baby at a time. Other species have two or more babies at a time. Baby lemurs hold onto their mother's stomachs where they are hidden and protected from predators. After 3 months they ride on their mother's back until she decides it is time for them to find their own food and make their own way.