Black-and-white ruffed lemur

Habitat
Rainforests in eastern Madagascar

Age
Average lifespan of 19 years

Weight
2.5 – 4.8 kg (females are usually heavier)

Height
44 – 57 cm excluding tail

Gestation period
4 months

Number of offspring
1-3 offspring

Conservation status
Critically endangered

Did you know…

• The black-and-white ruffed lemur is a type of prosimian and is found only in Madagascar.
• It is one of the largest lemur species.
• Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are herbivores, unlike many other lemurs, and they primarily eat fruits, leaves, seeds, and nectar.
• Unlike other lemur species that have one set of nipples, ruffed lemurs have three sets due to their relatively large litters.
• In ruffed lemur groups, females are dominant and eat first.
• The male ruffed lemur group in Lemurskoven at Knuthenborg Safaripark consists only of males
• Ruffed lemurs are very vocal and often use their calls to warn of danger
• They have the second loudest calls among primates, surpassed only by howler monkeys
• The black-and-white ruffed lemur has 12 distinct vocalizations. Ruffed lemurs live in the treetops, where they have ample opportunity to bask in the sun. Living in the rainforest, where sunlight is limited, they have to find alternative methods.

Meet the black-and-white ruffed lemurs in Lemurskoven.