Home › Mammalia › Lemuridae › Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)
SPECIES PROFILE
Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)
Lemur
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
CONSERVATION STATUS
Endangered
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Endemic to southern Madagascar
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Dry forest, spiny bush and canyons
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Primates
FAMILY
Lemuridae
GENUS
Lemur
📋 Description
SIZE
Up to 45 cm + 60 cm tail; 2-3.5 kg
COLORATION
Grey with a white face and a black-and-white ringed tail
ADAPTATIONS
Uses its striped tail as a signal flag and for 'stink fights'
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Dry forest, spiny bush and canyons
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Endemic to southern Madagascar
REPRODUCTION
Single infant, sometimes twins
DIET DETAILS
Fruit, leaves and insects
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, hunting, pet trade
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The most recognisable lemur, famous for sunbathing in a lotus-like pose each morning.
2
Males have a 'stink fight', wafting tail scent at rivals to settle disputes.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Isalo National Park
Berenty Reserve
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
April-November
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Visit dry-forest reserves in the morning when troops sunbathe with arms outstretched.
