Black-and-white ruffed lemur

By Rani Iyer

Scientific Name: Varecia variegata

The island of Madagascar is synonymous with lemurs: there are more than 100 types of lemurs living there today. Of these, the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) is considered critically endangered.

The black-and-white ruffed lemur is closely related to the red ruffed lemur. The ‘ruff’ consists of long hair that runs from the ears along the cheeks to beneath the chin.

You wouldn’t miss a black-and-white ruffed lemur in the Madagascar jungles for two reasons. Their ‘roar/shriek’ calls echo through the high canopy where they live. Their name ‘lemur’ means ‘ghost’ in Latin. Early explorers thought that ghosts made the shrieks in the forests of Madagascar. Second, they are active only during the day time (they are 'diurnal'). The black-and-white ruffed lemur is entirely arboreal. It communicates in the canopy layer by scent marking.

Black-and-white ruffed lemur. Photo by Rhett A. Butler
Fruits of all kinds are the favorite food of this house-cat sized lemur. They also eat small amounts of nectar, leaves, flowers, buds, fungi, and soil.

Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are social creatures that form groups around food. When food is available in plenty, the group size increases to about 26. At lean times, the group size falls to three or four.

The feeding habits of the black-and-white ruffed lemur also help other species, even though the lemur probably doesn't realize it. For example, when the black-and-white ruffed lemur feeds on the sugary nectar of the travelers' palm, it inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another. In the process it pollinates the plant and helps ensure further generations of palm trees.

Black-and-white ruffed lemur. Photo by Rhett A. Butler
Unlike other lemurs, ruffed lemurs build nests when it is time to have babies. Twins are normal for the black-and-white ruffed lemur, but they can also have up to 6 babies at a time! You would think that having 6 babies would be enough to fill up the forest in no time but most babies die due to falling accidents. For those that survive, there are not enough trees—Madagascar's forests are being cut down for timber and agriculture. Deforestation robs lemurs not only of their home, but their food source, since tall rainforest trees are an important source of fruit.

The black-and-white ruffed lemur is also hunted as food by humans, putting the species at further risk. Given these threats, saving the black-and-white ruffed lemur will require a great deal of effort. Will we be able to do it?

Teacher resources:
  • Lemur Conservation Foundation
  • Lemur lesson plan
  • California Academy of Sciences Lemurs in America


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