Our Lemurs
Ring-Tailed: Lemur catta
Black-and-White-Ruffed: Varecia variegata
At the Alabama Safari Park, we have ring-tailed lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Both are native only to Madagascar. In fact, all lemurs are from the African island nation.
In the Wild
There are about 100 species of lemurs, all from Madagascar. Ring-tailed lemurs make their home in southeastern Madagascar, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs are from the eastern part of the island.
Ring-tailed lemurs stay on the ground more than their counterparts, who are more tree-dwelling. They’re among the most vocal primates, using their voices to alert their social group, which can be up to 25 members large. Ring-tailed lemurs communicate visually, too. One way is by raising their tails straight up to help group members stick together.
In their native habitat, black-and-white ruffed lemurs generally live in small family units made up of two to five members. They talk to each other by barking, howling and making various vocalizations, depending on what they’re communicating.
Learn What Lemurs Eat
Ring-tailed lemurs will eat insects and even small vertebrates, along with their more traditional diet of leaves and flowers. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs hang from tree branches to gather fruit. They also feed on leaves, seeds and nectar. Both species will eat herbs, an unusual food choice for most lemurs.
QUICK FACTS
Conservation status: Endangered
Median lifespan: 16 years
Bands on a ring-tailed lemur’s tail: 31
The year the word “lemur” was first used: 1758
Did You Know?
Ruffed lemurs distribute pollen on their noses and are deemed the largest pollinators in the world.
Ring-tails like sunbathing on their backs to warm their bellies.
Most female lemurs demonstrate dominance over their male counterparts.
Ring-tailed lemurs have a strong sense of smell.
CONSERVATION
Ring-tailed lemurs are labeled as endangered, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs are critically endangered. Their status is primarily due to deforestation, wiping out their habitat and food sources.
We bestow annual grants to national and international organizations devoted to wildlife conservation.