Black and White Ruffed Lemur

Varecia variegata variegata

BnW Ruffies

Distribution:

Eastern Madagascar

Habitat:

Rainforests

Diet:

Predominantly vegetation such as flowers, fruit, seeds nectar and leaves. Our lemurs at Hamilton Zoo are on a strict diet which does not include any fruit due to diabetes concerns.

Gestation:

90-100 days, two - three infants born

Longevity:

15 - 20 years in both the wild and captivity

Predators:

Humans - through habitat destruction & hunting.

Conservation Status:

Critically Endangered

General:

The Black and White Ruffed Lemur is one of the largest of the lemur species. Spending most of their time in the trees, Ruffed Lemurs are quadrupedal - using all of their limbs to clamber around and their long tails to stabalize. They often hang upside down from branches by their feet whilst eating.

Ruffed Lemurs are very noisy, with varied vocalizations they use to communicate. Producing a deep barking call when alarmed and a wailing howl when defending their territory, as well as chuffs, barks and growls to communicate with each other.

Black and White Ruffed Lemurs live in matriarchal social groups of 2 - 5 individuals within a defined territory.

Fun fact: Ruffed lemurs build nests for their newborns and they're the only primates to do so!

At Hamilton Zoo:

You can see our Ruffed Lemur boys in two enclosures within the rainforest area;

Males:
Mikaly - 3/11/08
Vazimba - 25/10/16
Ankoto - 18/10/12
Sambava - 19/10/12