Ring-tailed Lemur

The Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) is the most recognized lemur due to its long, black and white, ringed tail.

Size: The bodies of these lemurs reach a length of about seventeen or eighteen inches, with tails reaching over twenty-one inches in length.

Life Span: The average lifespan of the ring-tailed Lemur in the wild is 18 years.

Color: This lemur is gray with stripes on its tail.

Continent: Africa

Range: Madagascar

Habitat: Ring-tailed lemurs live in the dry woodland districts with a seven to eight month dry season.

Food: The ring-tailed lemur feeds on plants, leaves, flowers, fruit, and even tree bark. Occasionally they eat insects.

Reproduction: These animals usually produce one young at a time, though they may bear up to three young, after a gestation of 136 days. The young is born well haired and with eyes open. It is independent at six months.

Fun Facts: Lemur troops are centered on the females and their young, and males move from group to group. Females are dominant over the males. The animal is diurnal, being active exclusively in daylight hours.

Conservation: This lemur is on the endangered species list and is threatened by habitat destruction.