Babakotia

Babakotia radofilai

Babakotia is an extinct primate species from the group of Palaeopropithecinae. She lived until about 500 to 1000 years on the island of Madagascar. The scientific genus name is derived from Babakoto, the native name of the Indri. The only way is described Babakotia radofilai.

Babakotia had greatly extended arms and big hands and feet, legs, however, were short. As with all Palaeopropithecinae interpret the anatomical features a suspensorische ( downward hanging on the trees ) lifestyle similar to the sloths back. The strong hands and feet are likely to have permits a sure grip and a climbing thick branches. The structure of the skull resembled that of the Indri, but was significantly greater. Striking were the extended upper premolars. It is estimated the weight of the animals to around 15 to 20 kilograms.

Probably also the living and locomotion of Babakotia was characterized by slow, ponderous movements. The food was probably mainly of leaves.

Subfossil remains of Babakotia radofilai was found only in the early 1990s in caves in the extreme north of Madagascar.

The extinction of this kind is likely causally related to the colonization of Madagascar are the people who only began around 1500 years ago. Following this, a number of primate species have disappeared, including the giant lemurs. The reasons for this were the hunting and habitat destruction, possibly coupled with climatic changes.