Misc.: The lemurs biggest factor in its decline in numbers is the continuous and rapid deforestation by clearing for industry and plantations, timbering for local use and export, and slash and burn agriculture.

There are 2 species of ruffed lemurs - Black and White Ruffed and Red Ruffed. Our lemurs are a hybrid, referred to as Tri-Colored Ruffeds and are a cross between the two.

Size and Appearance: Ruffed lemurs are the largest of the living "lemuridae." They have a head and body length of 39-45 inches, weighing between 7-9 pounds. Our lemurs have the colors of both species, black, white and red. Both have solid black faces and ruffed "collars" around their faces of varying colors.

Habitat: Ruffed lemurs are aboreal and spend their time in the high canopy of the seasonal rainforests on the eastern side of the island. They are diurnal and are active only in the daylight.

Distribution: Eastern Madagascar.

Reproduction and Offspring: Ruffeds mate from about May to July and give birth during the wet season when fruit is plentiful. Parenting in this species of lemurs is unique in that no single infant is invested in but instead, females bear litters of multiple offspring. Males also play a role in the parenting of the offspring especially in smaller groups where the certainty of paternity is high. In larger groups, the chance of a female mating with more than one male increases as does uncertainty in paternity. This tends to decrease the level of male care of offspring. Instead of clinging to the mother, offspring are placed into a nest which is guarded by both parents.

Social System and Communication:  This prosimian typically lives in small, matriarchal groups of 2-16 individuals, but group sizes of up to 32 have been recorded. Its diet consists primarily of fruit, nectar, and pollen. Leaves and seeds may be eaten when fruit becomes scarce. Red ruffed lemurs will sometimes form large groups during the wet season when food is plentiful. .They will all find one food source and forage together as a group. During the dry season they will often separate and find food on their own when the fruit is hard to find. This is very odd because most other diurnal lemurs will stay together and forage in large groups even during the dry season. Field studies suggest that red ruffed lemurs, like black-and-white ruffed lemurs, may be found in monogamous pairs or in small, organized groups. Individuals out in forest communicate through loud booming calls, which can be heard for miles.

Conservation Status: Both species in the wild are critically endangered.

Information taken from Wikipedia.