Red ruffed lemur
Red ruffed lemur | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Suborder: | Strepsirrhini |
Family: | Lemuridae |
Genus: | Varecia |
Species: | V. rubra
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Binomial name | |
Varecia rubra (É. Geoffroy, 1812) [3]
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Distribution of V. rubra[1] | |
Synonyms | |
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The red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) is one of two species in the genus Varecia, the ruffed lemurs; the other is the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Like all lemurs, it is native to Madagascar. It occurs only in the rainforests of Masoala, in the northeast of the island.[1] It is one of the largest primates of Madagascar with a body length of 53 cm, a tail length of 60 cm and a weight of 3.3–3.6 kg. Its soft, thick fur is red and black in color and sports a buff or cream colored spot at the nape, but a few are known to have a white or pink patch on the back of the limbs or digits and a ring on the base of the tail in a similar color.
Physical characteristics
Ruffed lemurs are the largest members of the family Lemuridae,[4] with this species being the larger of the two. They weigh 3.3–3.6 kg (7.3–7.9 lb).[5] They are about 53 cm (21 in) long, with a 60 cm (24 in) tail.[6] Females are slightly larger than males.[7] They have slender bodies and long legs. Red ruffed lemurs have a narrow snout with small back ears that are sometimes hidden by their long fur. They groom themselves using their toothcomb.[citation needed]
As their name would suggest, they have a rust-coloured ruff and body. Their heads, stomachs, tails, feet, and the insides of their legs are black. They have a white patch on the back of their neck, and may also have white markings on their feet or mouth.[7]
Behavior
The red ruffed lemur is a very clean animal and spends a lot of time grooming itself and in social grooming. The lower incisors (front teeth) and the claw on the second toe of the hind foot are specially adapted for this behavior. The lower incisors grow forward in line with each other and are slightly spaced. This creates a toothcomb which can be used to groom its long, soft fur. The claw is also used for grooming.
The red ruffed lemur lives 15–20 years in the wild. In captivity, 25 years is not uncommon, and one lived to be about 33 years old. It is a
Social systems
This primate typically lives in small,
Breeding and reproduction
Diet
The red ruffed lemur is mainly a fruit-eater, though it is known to eat leaves and shoots. They especially like figs.[11]
Communication
The
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List states that the red ruffed lemur is critically endangered. Logging, burning of habitat, cyclones, mining, hunting, and the illegal
Recent studies show that they are critically endangered with a declining wild population. Illegal logging has increased since 2009, which has reduced the available forest habitat.[1] Illegal logging for valuable tropic hardwoods, such as rosewood, is a particular threat, and linked to political instability.[13] The captive population of red ruffed lemurs stands at 590 animals. The population of red ruffed lemurs is directed by a Species Survival Plan.[13] Several of these zoos work with each other in breeding and caring for the captive population. To prevent inbreeding, wild caught animals have been introduced to the captive breeding program.
References
- ^ . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ "Checklist of CITES Species". CITES. UNEP-WCMC. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- OCLC 62265494.
- ^ a b "Donor Login - Woodland Park Zoo Seattle WA". Zoo.org. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
- OCLC 670545286.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Duke Primate Center red ruffed lemur". Archived from the original on 2011-03-05. Retrieved 2006-04-05.
- ^ a b c "red ruffed lemur factsheet". Archived from the original on November 12, 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-16.
- ^ "Animal Info – Ruffed Lemur". Animalinfo.org. Retrieved 2007-04-16.
- ^ "Red Ruffed Lemur Facts". Archived from the original on 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
- ^ "Red Ruffed Lemur Reproduction Facts | Duke Lemur Center". Archived from the original on 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
- ^ "Bristol Zoo gardens: red ruffed lemur". Bristolzoo.org.uk. Archived from the original on June 29, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
- ^ "Red Ruffed Lemur: The Animal Files". Theanimalfiles.com. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
- ^ a b "Red Ruffed Lemur Habitat and Conservation Facts | Duke Lemur Center". Archived from the original on 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2012-03-25.