Verreaux's sifaka

Verreaux's Sifaka ( Propithecus verreauxi )

The Verreaux's Sifaka ( Propithecus verreauxi ) is a Malagasy primate species from the family of Indriartigen ( Indridae ) within the lemurs ( Lemuriformes ).

Features

Larvensifakas reach a body length 40-48 inches, the tail is 50 to 60 inches long. The weight is 3 to 3.5 kilograms. Their coat is long, dense and soft. It is colored predominantly white, the top of the head is brown, chest and upper arms sometimes stained reddish brown. The black face with the clear forwardly projecting nose is hairless. The hind legs are strongly prolonged in all Sifakas.

Distribution and habitat

Larvensifakas live in the south-western Madagascar. They come in dry deciduous and thorn forests in, in the extreme southeast in rainforests before.

Lifestyle and diet

Larvensifakas are diurnal and primarily arboreal, although they sometimes come down to earth. In the trees they move with the extended hind legs continued climbing or jumping. On the ground they hop with the hind legs and stretch the front legs for balance in the air.

They live in groups of 4 to 8 animals, the smaller groups are sometimes family associations. Fixed areas that are marked with scent glands are 2 - 25 acres in size and in dry forests is greatest.

The group members communicate among other things, warning cries. Above ground predators such as the fossa warn with nasal barking, as the si - fak sounds, and the species its name. Flying birds of prey call forth a loud roar.

Larvensifakas are herbivores. They feed during the rainy season of fruits, seeds, and flowers, in the dry season leaves play a stronger role. They generally come with dry conditions along better than other lemurs.

Reproduction

The pairing falls in the months of January to February. The mating season is very short, the males fight each other, which may end with sometimes serious injury. After a 160 - to 170 -day gestation period, the female gives birth July to August a single young is born. Pups cling first to the mother's abdomen and ride later on her back. After about six months they are weaned and are short on their own. Sexual maturity occurs three to five years. The males have to leave their birth group, the females remain life in it. Life expectancy is around 25 years.

Endangering

Larvensifakas have a larger area of ​​distribution and a more varied life than other Malagasy lemurs raumen. Main danger is the destruction of their habitat dar. Some, but not all population groups in their area of ​​distribution have a food taboo against these animals. The IUCN classified the species as endangered ( vulnerable ).

System

The Verreaux's sifaka is one within the verreauxi group that lives in the west and southwest, and rather smaller animals includes. This group also includes the Coquerel Sifaka, the from- the - ceiling Sifaka, the Kronensifaka, possibly the Goldkronensifaka. Previously, the first three modes with the Verreaux were combined into a common type, today they are considered separately.

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