Animals - Primate Conservation Center

Red Ruffed Lemur
Varecia variegata rubra
Range:	Northeast Madagascar.
Habitat:	Undisturbed primary forest.
Diet:	Fruit, seeds, nectar, leaves.
Fun Facts:	They got their name from the large tufts of hair in front of their ears! Red Ruffed Lemurs are diurnal and form groups. The group size ranges from 5-16 individuals and up to 32 individuals have been observed at one time! Females are dominant in the group and form the core. They also defend the territory. Multiple offspring are born and left in the nest for the first week. When moved around, the infants are carried in the mother's mouth rather than clinging to her like most primates! They have a life span of about 19 years! Their population is declining because of human destruction of their habitat, hunting, and commercial exploitation! Ruffed Lemurs are one of the first species to disappear after selective logging because they eat the large fruits on the largest trees!