Black & White Ruffed Lemur

Black & White Ruffed Lemur

The Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata) is the more endangered of the two species of ruffed lemurs, both of which are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Despite having a larger range than the Red Ruffed Lemur, it has a much smaller population that is spread out, living in lower population densities and reproductively isolated. It also has less coverage and protection in large national parks than the Red Ruffed Lemur. Three subspecies of Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur have been recognized since the Red Ruffed Lemur was elevated to species status in 2001.
Together with the Red Ruffed Lemur, they are the largest extant lemurs, ranging in size from 100 to 120 cm (3.3 to 3.9 ft) and weighing between 3.1 and 4.1 kg (6.8 and 9.0 lb).[5] They are arboreal, spending most of their time in the high canopy of the seasonal rainforests on the eastern side of the island. They are also diurnal, active exclusively in daylight hours. Quadrupedal locomotion is preferred in the trees and on the ground, and suspensory behavior is seen during feeding. As the most frugivorous of lemurs, the diet consists mainly of fruit, although nectar and flowers are also favored, followed by leaves and some seeds.

Interesting Facts

The Black and White Ruffed Lemur has the second loudest call of any primate, second only to the Howler Monkey.

image taken at melbourne zoo

canon 5D 70-200mm L f4

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