Ring-tailed lemur

Ring-tailed lemur(Lemur catta)

Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — primates
Family — lemuridae

Genus – lemur

Appearance

The Ring-tailed lemur is a relatively large lemur. Its average weight is 2.2 kilograms (4.9 lb). Its head–body length ranges between 39 and 46 cm (15 and 18 in), its tail length is 56 and 63 cm (22 and 25 in), and its total length is 95 and 110 cm (37 and 43 in).

The species has a slender frame and narrow face, fox-like muzzle. The Ring-tailed lemur's trademark—a long, bushy tail—is ringed in alternating black and white transverse stripes, numbering 12 or 13 white rings and 13 or 14 black rings, and always ending in a black tip. The total number of rings nearly matches the approximate number of caudal vertebrae (~25). Its tail is longer than its body and is not prehensile. Instead, it is only used for balance, communication, and group cohesion.

Habitat

The natural range of this species occupies south and southwest Madagascar, where scattered populations of Ring-tailed lemurs are found from Tolagnaro in the southeast to Morondava on the west coast and Ambalavao inland. Additionally, a single, isolated population inhabits the Andringitra Massif on the south-eastern plateau of the island.

Behavior

As diurnal species, the Ring-tailed lemurs are active during the daytime hours. Although these animals are generally terrestrial, they have excellent climbing abilities. The Ring-tailed lemurs are social creatures, forming female-dominated units of 3-20 individuals. Individuals of both genders live in separate dominance hierarchies. Females of this species not only dominate over males, but also defeat the latter during fights. They are known for their friendly behavior towards individuals of their gender. Females also don't tend to be infanticidal, intentionally killing infants. Instead, they are very attentive to young lemurs, babysitting and forming groups, where infants can play. Moreover, females often switch the babies and nurse infants of other females. After becoming sexually mature, males leave their natal group, moving between troops when the mating season comes. The Ring-tailed lemurs display less territorial behavior, than many other lemurs. However, during the reproductive season, they become highly territorial. During this period, females are typically more territorial than males.

Diet

Ring-tailed lemurs are omnivores. These animals generally consume plants, leaves, flowers, nectar, fruit, sap and bark, often supplementing their usual diet with insects, chameleons and small birds.

Reproduction

Ring-tailed lemurs are polygynous. Their troops consist of multiple individuals of both sexes, but there is always an alpha male in a group, which breeds with most females. During the mating season, both males and females compete among themselves strongly, which often brings to confrontations and fights. While the former compete for space and resources, the latter defend their mating rights. Mating lasts form the middle of April to June.

Gestation period is about 4-4.5 months, yielding 1 - 2 infants, typically in August-September. Females of this species are very attentive mothers, sheltering, grooming, feeding, and eagerly carrying their offspring. After a while, the babies can be seen travelling on the abdomen of their mother. By around 2 months old, the infants start eating solid food. Then they begin riding on their mother's back and are finally weaned at 5 months old.

Females produce their first litter at 3 years old, whereas males are ready to breed at 2.5 old, although older males of their troop don't permit them to do it.

Ring-tailed lemurs typically live to be 16 years old, with the oldest known Ring-tailed lemur living to be 33 years old in captivity.

Incaptivity

They behave very well in captivity. The devotion of a dog, the grace and mystery of a cat, and the extraordinary intelligence of a primate-all these features are harmoniously combined in this remarkable creature.

The cage must be at least 2,5x2,5x2,5 meters in size. Lemurs are very mobile and use every cubic centimeter of their cage. The branches that you place in the cage should be flexible and strong, so that they are not broken under the weight of the jumping  monkey. Lemurs are extremely social animals. They become very nervous if they are deprived of communication. If you can't spend a lot of time with a lemur, then get two. They also constantly need a field of activity. They are very smart and will go mad with boredom if they don't have any toys. Don't forget that lemurs need a warm shelter in cold weather. For the cage, it is best to use a wire mesh similar to the one used for making cages for rabbits. This is a very strong material. In addition, small children will not be able to put their fingers through it. It does not hurt to raise the cell half a meter above the ground to reduce the likelihood of infection by parasites.

Instead of a cage, you can use a separate room. But in any case, the enclosure should be spacious and equipped with a lamp of ultraviolet lighting. It is also necessary to maintain humidity in the enclosure. This can be done thanks to the humidifier.

As a basis for food, it is best to use Purina Monkey Chow, for babies, soaking it in water. You also need to give fruit, especially citrus, which is extremely important, since the body of lemurs, like all other primates, does not synthesize vitamin C. Do not feed lemurs with fruit only, as then they will refuse to eat the main food.

Standard medications for cats and dogs are suitable. Also make sure that your veterinarian is familiar with peculiarities of lemurs`organism firsthand, since in case of emergency, you will not have time to look for a specialist.