Size: Head and Body length; 50-55 cm, tail length; 60-65cm, Weight; 3-4.5 kg

Habitat and Distribution: They are found in primary (undisturbed) and secondary lowland and mid-altitude rainforest on the west coast of Madagascar.

Age: 15 - 20 years in the wild

Groups and Breeding: The groups size of the ruffed lemur varies according to its geographical range. In the south east of its range, they tend to live in pairs with a large range and travel every day. However, elsewhere they are found in groups of two-seven individuals and on the island of Nosy Mangabe in groups of 8-16! In large groups there are very strong bonds between the females.

This species mates from May- July with two- four young born in September/ October after a gestation of 90-102 days. The female will build a nest in the trees about 10-20 metres up made of twigs, leaves and vines, where the young will remain for a week or two.

Diet: Mostly fruit and nectar with some leaves and seeds.

• This species of lemur is thought to be the primary pollinator of the Ravenala flower. In fact it is thought that they have actually co-evolved together over thousands of years.
• A mother will carry her young around in her mouth like a dog with puppies! In order to find food they will often ‘park’ the young in trees for several hours whilst they go and forage. As a result of this, infant ruffed lemurs have a really high mortality rate with 65% dying before they reach 3 months of age (the majority as a result of falling from high trees!).
• Lemurs often hang upside down by their feet to feed.
• Madagascar natives once believed that the black and white lemurs worshipped the sun because they often sunbathe.
• This species is at risk from logging, habitat loss and is also hunted for food and use as pets.