Ring-tailed Lemur

Species: Ring-tailed Lemur
Habitat: Deciduous Forests of Madagascar
Status: Near Threatened
DAK Locale: Discovery Island

Ring-tailed lemurs are easily the most recognizable type of lemur. Lemurs are primitive primates which evolved isolated from other primates on the island of Madagascar in eastern Africa. Of the various species, the ring-taileds are some of the most widespread ranging from temperate forests to dry scrub lands.

These lemurs are very sociable living in large groups of up to 30 animals. It is female dominant, which is common among the sociable kinds of lemurs. Bonding usually occurs in the form of sunbathing, with the whole group huddle together soaking in the rays and warming up. They sit upright with its thinner hair facing the the sun. It can be comical site at the Animal Kingdom. They are also territorial with scent markings used to mark the boundaries. It is also an incredibly vocal primate with a wide range of calls described by biologists.

They are opportunistic omnivores. Fruits and leaves make up the majority of its diet. However, it will eat insects and small vertebrates (birds and reptiles). During the dry season, it relies more on meat.

The animal is native throughout southern Madagascar. It can be found in all kinds of habitats from humid forests, montane forests and dry scrub lands. It is listed as Near Threatened, mostly due to habitat destruction. It is estimated that over 90% of the original forests of the island are now gone. It is a very common zoo species. It is quite popular thanks to television programs, and reproduces well in captivity. Those factors make it a flagship species even though there are more endangered types of lemurs.