Ring-tailed lemur
Lemur catta
The ringed-tail of this lemur has a lot of uses. It is used for balance as they climb through the trees. When out foraging for food, ring-tailed lemurs hold their tails aloft which helps keep the group together. The tail is also used as a warning and waved at any rival group.
Rival groups of ring-tailed lemurs will also have 'stink fights'. They rub their tails on special scent glands and flick the smells towards their rivals. Like most lemur species the females are dominant and will lead the group, which can often include up to 50 individuals.
They can measure up to 42 centimetres (cm) and their tails can be up to 60cm. Lemurs can weigh up to three kilograms.
You can take part in an interactive animal experience with our ring-tailed lemurs.
IUCN red list status
The IUCN status of the Ring-tailed lemur is endangered.
For more information on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org.
Animal class
Mammal
Conservation status
Ring-tailed lemurs are listed as endangered on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. They are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
Habitat
Rainforest and forest
Population
There are more than 10,000 lemurs left in the wild but, because their range is decreasing daily, their population is also declining.
Diet
Omnivore. Lemurs eat fruit, leaves, flowers, insects, bark and sap.