Red ruffed lemur

Red Vari ( Varecia rubra)

The Red Vari ( Varecia rubra ) is a species of primate living in Madagascar from the group of lemurs.

Features

Red ruffed lemurs reach a body length of 50 to 55 centimeters, to which another 60 to 65 centimeters long tail comes. Its weight is about 3.5 to 4 kg. Their fur is red to reddish-brown on the back and on the legs, belly, feet, tail and face are black. The neck is white, also can in some animals white or pale yellow spots on the ankles, may be present on the trunk or on the muzzle. Her head is characterized by the long, dog -like snout with long tongue and the red ear tufts.

Distribution and habitat

Red ruffed lemurs are exclusively present on the Masoala Peninsula in northeastern Madagascar. Their habitat are primary rain forests where they occur up to 1000 meters above sea level.

Way of life

These primates are arboreal, which usually reside in the upper layers of the trees. Their movements are rather sedate, but they can also jump well. They are predominantly diurnal. Their social behavior is variable, they live in groups of 2 to 16 animals, this may be families or larger groups. The group members communicate by loud shouts. These are used for contact with other group members, the warning against predators and also to draw attention to other groups on their own turf.

The food of the Red Varis consists mainly of fruits, but in addition they also take leaves to itself. With the help of her long tongue she can also lick nectar, while they play an important role in the pollination of some plants. To feed, they sometimes hang upside down from the branches and grapple with their hind legs.

Mating occurs from May to July. After a 100 - day gestation, the female gives birth to the offspring to the world, mostly twins or triplets in September and October. Built to birth the female leaves a nest where the young spend their first weeks of life, with about 70 days they move away on their own.

Threat

Red ruffed lemurs are an endangered species. The main danger is the destruction of their habitat, associated with the hunting for their meat. The creation of the Masoala National Park 1997, a part of its distribution area has been protected at least. The IUCN lists the species as " critically endangered " ( endangered ).