Size:Length; 75-83cm. Weight; 11.4kg.

Habitat and Distribution: One of only two species of lemur found outside of Madagascar. This lemur is found in the forests of north-west Madagascar and the Comoro Islands.

Age:18-20 years in the wild, up to 26 in captivity

Groups and Breeding: Mongoose Lemurs live in small family groups of a monogamous pair and up to three offspring. Single young are born after a gestation of around 128 days and are weaned after a further 135 days. However, the young will remain within the family group until they are fully mature at three years.

Diet: Fruit, flowers and nectar (particularly of the Kapok tree), occasionally beetles and grubs.

• These lemurs are unusual in their activity patterns as they are active in the day and night depending on the seasons (they are more active at night during the dry season).
• Scent marking plays a large part in Mongoose Lemur communication. Males in particular use the top of their heads for scent marking and as a result may end up bald.
• It has been illegal to kill Mongoose Lemurs in the Comores since 1974; however, enforcement is not strict and children may catch the young for pets by killing the mother. In some parts of Madagascar it is also hunted for food.
• Male Mongoose Lemurs are born with white beards that will turn reddish-brown when the infants are between 5 and 6 weeks old.