Download Red Ruffed Lemur Fast Facts

Red Ruffed Lemur
Fast Facts
What do they look like?
Red ruffed lemurs are one of two species of ruffed lemurs, separated from each
other by the Antainambalana River in eastern Madagascar. Nearly identical to each
other aside from coloration, red ruffed and black-and-white ruffed lemurs are named
for the tufts of hair lining their ears and faces. Red ruffed lemurs have red coats with
black faces, hands, feet, and tails. They often have patches of white on the back of
the neck and the base of the tail. They have large, forward-facing eyes and fox-like
muzzles. Ruffed lemurs are the largest of the lemur species, typically weighing 8-12
pounds. Their body length is approximately 20-22 inches, while their tails are around
24 inches long.
How do they behave?
Common Name: Red Ruffed
Lemur
Scientific Name: Varecia rubra
Family: Lemuridae
Order: Primates
Class: Mammalia
Range: Masoala Peninsula of
northeastern Madagascar
Red ruffed lemurs live in small family groups of up to eight individuals. They are a
crepuscular, arboreal species, foraging mostly during dawn and dusk. Females are
the dominant sex in the lemur hierarchy, a system unique to this suborder of
prosimians. Females will defend their territory, choose their own mate, and have first
access to foraging opportunities. Ruffed lemurs communicate through loud
vocalizations which can be heard up to a mile away. The most common calls are
alarm calls (which are even specific to predators by air verses predators by land) and
locator calls (which are used to locate members of the troop).
What’s on the menu?
Red ruffed lemurs are frugivores, feeding primarily on fruit, although they also
consume leaves, flowers, and nectar. Ruffed lemurs play an important ecological role
in Madagascar. They cannot digest the seeds of the fruit they consume; therefore,
the seeds are dispersed in their droppings, helping to replant vegetation throughout
the region. At the Zoo, they eat specialized leaf-eater chow, fruits, and vegetables.
How are they born?
Habitat: Rainforests
Lifespan: 15-20 years in the wild;
over 30 years in captivity
Conservation Status: Endangered
Bonded pairs are believed to be monogamous among this species. Mating takes
place from May to July, during the cooler, drier months in Madagascar. Toward the
end of the gestation period, which lasts approximately 102 days, the female will build
a nest for her young. Twins and triplets are most common; however, litters of six
have been noted in captivity. Newborns are born fully furred with open eyes, though
they do not have the strength yet to hold on to their mothers for travel. They will live
in the nest for up to two weeks, at which time the mother will begin to carry them
and “park” them in nearby trees while she forages.
What can you do to help?
Red ruffed lemurs, like all lemurs, are found only on the island of Madagascar where
wild populations are steadily declining. Many species of lemurs are threatened or
endangered due to deforestation and human predation for food. Education and
conservation are crucial not only for this species’ survival, but for all the other wildlife
found in Madagascar. To prevent habitat destruction, you can help by buying wood
that is sustainably harvested, coffee that is shade grown, and produce that is grown
locally. These products do not require the destruction of rainforests to grow crops.