Ring tailed Lemur
Context
Two ring tailed lemurs reportedly stolen from Gazipur Safari Park in Bangladesh were traced to Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, according to Bangladeshi investigators.
Key Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Lemur catta
- Ring tailed lemurs are omnivorous strepsirrhine primates, belonging to the group commonly known as wet nosed primates.
- Their most distinctive feature is their long, non-prehensile tail, marked by alternating black and white bands and ending with a black tip.
Natural Habitat
The species is endemic to Madagascar, particularly its southern and southwestern regions.
It commonly occurs in:
- Arid and seasonally dry landscapes
- Spiny scrub vegetation
- Rocky areas and outcrops
- Other dry habitats
Behaviour and Ecology
- Ring tailed lemurs are relatively terrestrial compared with many other lemur species. Female led groups may spend around half of their time on the ground.
- Males exhibit a distinctive scent-based competitive behaviour known as “stink fights”, in which scent is used during confrontations with rivals.
Threats to Survival
The principal threats faced by the species include:
- Habitat destruction and fragmentation
- Charcoal production
- Hunting
- Illegal capture and trade for the pet market
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)
- CITES: Appendix I