Ring-tailed Lemur

The ring-tailed lemur is one of Madagascar’s most iconic animals, instantly recognised by its long, striped tail and expressive face. These primates are found only in the dry forests and scrublands of southern and southwestern Madagascar.

Ring-tailed lemurs are highly adaptable and are known to thrive in a variety of habitats, from rocky outcrops to gallery forests. While most lemur species live in the trees, ring-tailed lemurs spend a lot of time on the ground, using their strong limbs to travel and forage.

They live in social groups of up to 30 individuals, led by dominant females. These troops use scent-marking and a wide range of vocalisations to communicate. Males even engage in “stink fights,” waving their scented tails at each other to establish dominance without physical confrontation.

Their diet is mostly made up of fruit, leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects, and flexible diet allows them to survive seasonal changes when food is scarce. Ring-tailed lemurs are also known for their habit of sunbathing, sitting upright with arms outstretched to warm themselves in the morning.

Lemurs plays a vital role in its ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and maintain forest health. Sadly, due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade, ring-tailed lemurs are listed as endangered in the wild. However, a number of conservation efforts are underway to ensure that these charismatic primates continue to thrive for generations to come.

Ring-tailed lemurs have a unique way of keeping track of time - they rely on the position of the sun to help them navigate their daily routines! Studies have shown they use solar cues to remember where food sources are and when to visit them, showing impressive spatial memory and time-based foraging.