EMBLEMATIC ANIMALS OF MADAGASCAR
Meet a mammal endemic and specific to the Red Island, the lemurs. Existing in a hundred species and all in the process of extinction, the lemurs of Madagascar are the most threatened primates on Earth. With our guides, enter the heart of the universe of these mammals and review our entire article. With our clear and precise information, beautiful discoveries await you until the bottom of the page…
Particularities and lifestyle of lemurs
Coming from Africa 25 million years ago, lemurs settled in Madagascar. Wild but docile, lemurs have large eyes, small ears, an elongated snout and a golden, black, gray and white coat. Being arboreal, they can adapt in the thick forests of the East, the thorny forests of the South or even the dry forests of the West. Also note that some species are diurnal while others are nocturnal; some with tails, others without.Descendants of a lineage close to the monkey, lemurs also love bananas!
The most popular lemurs of Madagascar
The « Lemur Catta » :
The Lemur Catta, also known as Maki, is the most famous lemur of Madagascar. Majestic, unique, the Maki has a gray coat and a tail made of 14 black and white rings. Taking its name from the cat, the Lemur Catta meows and purrs! Recognize it with its lotus position: sitting cross-legged with arms spread. It’s a way for this lemur to warm up its glands and give off a smell to attract females.
The « Indri Indri »
The Indri Indri The « Babakoto » Malagasy is the largest of the lemurs, measuring 73cm and weighing 9kg. Shy, the Indri Indri has a black and white coat, has no tail and is difficult to observe. By emitting a powerful and sinister cry, it evokes the song of the humpback whale. Let yourself be amazed by the long vocalizations of this lemur that can be heard for 4km. Often answered by its neighbors, the song of an Indri becomes an incredible concert in the forest!
The « Aye-Aye »
The Aye-Aye is a little appreciated lemur but very popular in Madagascar. Particularly, it has ears of bat, a head of weasel and piercing eyes. Having a cat’s body, this lemur has rodent’s teeth that grow permanently. Notice its difference with other lemurs: the Aye-Aye has a very thin and enlarged third finger. This last one is used to catch insects or to empty eggs in a very clever way! It is a nocturnal insectivorous and fructivorous lemur
The « Sifaka »
The « Sifaka » The « Verreaux’s sifaka » is a not very shy lemur. Very talkative, they communicate with yelps, grunts and repeated cries of alarm in the face of danger. Moving in an upright posture and with their hind legs, Sifaka leap and gallop in a very particular way. Did you know that they are nicknamed « dancing lemurs » because of their spectacular jumps? Of docile nature, Sifaka come easily to meet men.
