(Propithecus coronatus)
STATUS
Endangered
SIZE
Height: 87–102cm
Weight: 3–4.3kg
AGE
A maximum of 23 years in captivity.
HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION
Dry deciduous forest in the west of Madagascar.
WHAT THEY EAT
Leaves, fruit, bark and flowers.
This species of Sifaka is classed as Endangered and inhabits fragmented areas of unprotected forest.
Animal Facts
- These lemurs can leap distances of up to 10 metres between trees. Trees are sometimes covered in hard cactus-like spines, yet the lemurs never hurt themselves.
- To cross large distances on the open ground, sifakas will ‘skip’ using their arms for balance. The name sifaka comes from the sound of their ‘shifak’ call when alarmed.
- Female sifakas are only receptive to mating once a year, for approximately 40 hours.
- Sifakas have been observed occasionally eating soil; it is thought that this may aid digestion!