Ring-tailed lemur

Physical features

• Ring-tailed lemurs are named for their distinctive tails banded with about 26 alternating black and white rings. The tip is black and there is generally one more black ring than white ring. When held erect, the tail serves as a visual cue that aids in keeping the group together.

• Their ears are slightly more prominent than those of other lemur species.

• Males and females weigh about the same: 2.3-3.5 kg (4.9- 7.7 lbs)

• They have special teeth called a "dental comb" which they use to groom theirs (and other lemurs) hair.

Diet: Herbivore

• Wild – Fruit, leaves, flowers, and more rarely, sap, bark, or insects; Ring-tailed lemurs consume up to 50 different plant species, more than any other kind of lemur; Pods from the kily tree are a favorite, and these primates can be possessive over fallen fermented pods; They get most of their water from dew or rainwater in the treetops, coming to the ground to drink only when necessary.

• Zoo – Leaf-eater biscuits, vegetables including greens, zucchini, squash, green pepper, and broccoli, and fruit such as apple, banana, mango, and melon

Reproduction

• Females begin reproducing around 2-3 years of age.

• Ring-tailed lemurs breed April- June. A female’s estrus lasts about one day. A receptive female has swelling and brighter coloration in the genital area.

• Most fighting among ring-tailed lemurs occurs during breeding season, as females fight for resources and males fight for access to females. Males also engage in stink fights, where scent glands on the genitals and wrists are rubbed on the tail which can then be aimed at competitors.

• Females may mate with males from their colony or a neighboring colony. They may also mate with more than one male.

• Males are capable of breeding at 2.5 years but may not be allowed to by older males.

• Most females produce offspring once a year. However, 30-50% of offspring do not survive their first year.

• Gestation: 4-4 ½ months

• Single births are most common, but twins are not unusual.

• The newborn clings to its mother’s stomach. As it ages, it will begin to ride on her back.

• Weaning: 5-6 months

• While males sometimes commit infanticide during breeding season, females will often babysit or nurse another female’s offspring.

Interpretive Information

• The Latin species name catta is due to the ring tail's cat-like appearance. Their purring vocalization sounds similar to the domestic cat.

• These primates are often seen sunbathing during the morning hours, sitting in a human-like posture with their legs outstretched and their stomachs facing the sun.

• Ring-tailed lemurs are quite active in the morning, though they generally sleep during early afternoon. Around late afternoon they become active again and finally settle in at a sleeping spot some time after sunset. The troop sleeps among 2 or 3 trees, moving on to different trees each night.

• This species is generally found in groups of 3-30 individuals. Their ranges are generally larger than those of other lemurs.

• Though arboreal, the ring-tailed lemur is considered to be the most terrestrial of the lemurs.

• Females are nearly always dominant over males.

• Ring-tailed lemurs have at least 15 different calls.

Updated May 2005