White-belted ruffed lemur

White-belted ruffed lemur Varecia variegata subcincta (EEP)

ClassMammalia
OrderPrimates
FamilyLemuridae
Size60cm
Weight3–3.5kg
Gestation90–100 days
Birth1–3
Life-span20 years

Diet
frugivorous (fruit, leaves, grains, nectar)

Habitat
tropical forest

Range
north-east Madagascar

As their name suggests, white-belted ruffed lemurs have a band of white hair in the middle of their uniformly black backs. This distinguishes them from their cousins the black-and-white ruffed lemurs, whose backs but not shoulders are covered with white hair.

Up to about 15 white-belted ruffed lemurs make up fission/fusion groups, meaning they break off into smaller units when food is scarcer. These small groups aren’t fixed and can also split up then get back together.

Almost wholly frugivorous and very fussy, white-belted ruffed lemurs are highly sensitive to disruptions in their environment. They are also among the most hunted lemurs, due to the popularity of their meat.

When taken unawares by predators, white-belted ruffed lemurs warn other members of their group by means of loud yelps.