Red Ruff Lemur

Varecia variegate rubera

North-east Madagascar - tropical rainforest

Scientific name: Varecia variegate rubera

IUCN status: Endangered

Habitat: North-east Madagascar - tropical rainforest

Diet: Herbivore – mainly fruit, leaves, nectar

Red-ruffed lemurs spend most of their life searching for food. They may cover several kilometres each day looking for fruiting trees and call to family and friends when one is found. Neighbouring groups have a system of calls to warn of danger from predators such as snakes, birds of prey and the native fossa (civet). Their survival is under threat from deforestation, the illegal pet trade and food hunters.

Did you know? Fruit makes up 75% of the red-ruffed lemur diet and their favourites are ripe, juicy figs.