Red-bellied lemur

Description

We can differentiate the sexes by sight: although the colour of the body is brown, the females have a lighter chest and belly. In both sexes the tail, face and muzzle are black with white rings around the eyes; in the case of females they are smaller.

Ethology

Red-bellied lemurs are mainly diurnal, living in matriarchal groups of 5 members or fewer, generally formed by a couple and their pups. They are one of the few species of lemurs which for monogamous couples. They generally have 1 pup in each litter, and both parents take charge of caring for them. The mortality rate of the pups is 50%. The gestation lasts approximately 4 months.

Interesting Facts

All species of lemurs are endemic to the island of Madagascar. The populations of this species are decreasing in nature. The main threat is the loss of habitat due to illegal logging and burning of forests. Capture and occasionally hunting for local consumption are also reducing their population.