This lemur lives at Africa Alive in Suffolk.
The ring-tailed lemur, like all lemurs, is endemic to the island of Madagascar and endangered. Experiments have shown that the ring-tailed lemur, despite the lack of a large brain, can organize sequences, understand basic arithmetic operations and preferentially select tools based on functional qualities.
The ring-tailed lemur is a relatively large lemur. Its average weight is 4.9 lb. (2.2 kg) and its head–body length ranges between 15 and 18 in. (39 and 46 cm), with a tail length of 22 to 25 in. (56 to 63 cm).
This lemur has a slender frame, narrow face and fox-like muzzle. Its long, bushy tail is ringed in alternating black and white bands, numbering 12 or 13 white rings and 13 or 14 black rings, and always ending in a black tip. Its tail is not prehensile, and is only used for balance and communication. It fur is dense, with the chest and throat being white or cream, while the back varies from grey to rosy-brown. The coloration is slightly darker around the neck and crown. The muzzle is dark greyish, the nose is black, and the eyes are encompassed by black triangular patches. Although slight pattern variations in the facial region may be seen between individuals, there are no obvious differences between males and females.
This species occupies the south and southwest Madagascar, where scattered populations of ring-tailed lemurs are found from Tolagnaro in the southeast to Morondava on the west coast and Ambalavao inland. Additionally, a single, isolated population inhabits the Andringitra Massif on the south-eastern plateau of the island. Preferred types of habitat are spiny forests, lowland gallery forests, dry scrubs, dry deciduous forests, and, sometimes, rock canyons. The population of Andringitra Massif lives at higher elevations, among bare rocks, low bushes, and subalpine vegetation. This area is known to have one of the harshest climates on the island.
Ring-tailed lemurs are active during the daytime hours and are semi-terrestrial. They spends as much as 33% of their time on the ground, more than any other lemur species. Despite this they have excellent climbing abilities.
They are social creatures, forming female dominated groups of up to 30 individuals. To keep warm and reaffirm social bonds, groups will huddle together. Females of this species not only dominate over males but also defeat the latter during fights, although they are known for their friendly behaviour towards other females. Ring-tailed lemurs are one of the most vocal primates and have a complex array of distinct calls that range from simple to complex.
These animals are omnivores eating fruits and leaves, particularly those of the tamarind tree, which when available, makes up as much as 50% of the diet, especially during the dry, winter season. This lemur eats from as many as three dozen different plant species, and its diet includes flowers, herbs, bark, nectar and sap. It has been observed eating decayed wood, earth, spider webs, insect cocoons, spiders, caterpillars, cicadas, grasshoppers, small birds and chameleons. During the dry season it becomes increasingly opportunistic.
Mating lasts from the middle of April to June. The gestation period is about 4 to 4.5 months, yielding 1 or 2 young, typically in August and September. A new born will have a birth weight of 2.5 oz. (70 g). Females of this species are very attentive mothers, sheltering, grooming, feeding, and eagerly carrying their offspring. After a while, the babies can be seen traveling on the abdomen of their mothers. By around 2 months old, infants start eating solid food. Then they begin riding on their mother's back and are finally weaned at 5 months old. Youngsters can expect to have a life span in the wild of about 16 years. The maximum lifespan reported in captivity was 27 years.
Ring-tailed lemurs have both native and introduced predators. Native predators include the fossa, the Madagascar harrier-hawk, the Madagascar buzzard and the Madagascar ground boa. Introduced predators include the small Indian civet and the domestic cat and dog.
The ring-tailed lemurs currently face the loss of their bush and forest habitat as a result of overgrazing, burning and tree cutting for the charcoal industry. Localized threats include hunting, trapping, and capture as a pet species. The total population in 2009 was between 10,000 and 100,000 individuals and the species was listed as 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN Red List. Today, ring-tailed lemurs are classified as 'Endangered' and their numbers continue to decrease.
