Ringtailed Lemurs: Lemur catta

Like other lemur species, ringtailed lemurs are native to the island nation of Madagascar. This island off the southeastern coast of Africa is the fourth largest island in the world and contains tropical and temperate ecosystems. Ringtails are found in the southern part of the country in dry, hot forests. Like other lemurs, Ringtailed lemurs are listed as a threatened species due to habitat losses from human activities like farming and forestry.

This lemur species is unusual in that it spends a great deal of time on the ground foraging for food and traveling in groups. However, like all lemurs they are good climbers. Ringtailed lemurs feed mostly on trees: consuming fruits, leaves, bark and flowers. They also occasionally eat insects or other small animals.

Ringtails begin reproducing around age three and females usually have one offspring every year, although twins sometime occur. The babies purr like cats. During the mating season, males often engage in stink fighting by using their scent glands to perfume their tails and waving them in the faces of rivals. Ringtailed lemurs live in social groups of up to 30 individuals that are dominated by females and contain related females and their young. Males leave the group at maturity and move between groups as adults.

Six lemurs live at the Museum. They roam an interactive natural playground featuring roots, large branches and tall trees. During cold months, they stay inside a heated enclosure featuring a large viewing window. The Lemur Playground and House feature a computer kiosk that identifies the lemurs’ habits, habitats and social behaviors and introduces lemur biologists. A zoom camera provides close-up views of these highly active, playful animals.