Crowned sifaka

Kronensifaka ( Propithecus coronatus )

The Kronensifaka ( Propithecus coronatus ) is a primate of the family of Indriartigen within the lemurs. Until recently, he was regarded as a subspecies of Larvensifakas.

Features

Kronensifakas reach a body length between 40 and 46 centimeters, the tail length is 48 to 57 centimeters. The weight varies from 3.5 to 4.3 kg, they belong to the minor Sifakaarten. Their fur is colored predominantly white, the head, the neck and the throat are dark brown or black. The chest, shoulders and upper arms may be slightly yellowish - brown sometimes. The face is colored gray and hairless, the ears are whitish, as with all Sifakas the hind legs are much longer than the front legs.

Distribution and habitat

These primates are like all lemurs available only in Madagascar. They inhabit a small area on the west coast, which lies between the rivers Mahavavy and Betsiboka and extends slightly into the interior. Their habitat is dry deciduous forests, they can be found up to 700 meters above sea level.

Way of life

Kronensifakas are diurnal and arboreal, which move vertically climbing and jumping in the branches. They live in groups of two to eight animals, which are composed of one or several males, one or more females and the common offspring. There are territorial animals, their territories are very small with 1.2 to 1.5 hectares. In addition, they usually spend their time in a small core area of only 0.3 hectares on.

In the dry season the food consumption accounts for about 30 to 40 % of the day, the rest is spent latching or used to interact with group members. During this time they eat buds, immature fruits and leaves. The food composition in the rainy season is not known.

Endangering

Main threat to Kronensifakas is the destruction of their habitat by logging and charcoal production. The IUCN estimates that the overall population ( three generations) has declined by more than 50 % in the last 30 years, and lists the species as " critically endangered " ( endangered ).