Ring-tailed lemur

Description

These small primates are very agile. The shape of their limbs and long tail allows them to leap between tree branches. They have 14 white and 14 black rings on their tails and the tip is always black. They have large ears covered in hair. Their large eyes give them good night time vision. 

Ethology

They are the most terrestrial of lemurs. They are diurnal and very sociable, living in groups of up to 30 individuals dominated by the females. The males have glands beneath the tail that secrete a very foul smelling substance to mark their territories. When sleeping, they hug together in groups forming balls and take advantage of the early hours of the morning to sunbathe in the lotus position. 

Interesting facts

They are threatened by habitat destruction. There are captivity breeding programs developed by zoos and individuals are released to the wild. When the females become pregnant, they emit a different smell depending on whether the baby will be a male or a female. When they are born, the baby lemurs run after each other, chasing each other and grabbing each other’s tails, like most primates.