Black and White Ruffed Lemur

(Varecia variegata)

Live: Eastern Madagascar

Habitat: Tropical forest

Diet: Mainly fruit and leaves

Gestation: 90-100 days. Usually 1-3 offspring born

Longevity: Up to 18 years in captivity

Status: Endangered

General: The black and white ruffed lemur is one of the largest of the lemur species. They get their name from the thick white ruff or mane around their necks. They are mainly black with white patches over their legs, back and head. Both males and females look the same.

These lemurs are crepuscular, which means that they are only active at dawn and dusk. They live in small groups of between two and five individuals. These will share a territory that they defend from neighbouring groups.

These lemurs are endangered due to habitat loss as the forest is cleared for farming and housing. They are hunted for their fur and meat.