Happy World Lemur Day! Easily recognized by their long, bushy tails and translucent eyes, lemurs are found only on Madagascar and the Comoro Islands.
These unique creatures are the most threatened of all primates. Because of this, WWF and Malagasy conservationists are working together to establish and manage parks and protected areas.
Lemurs are exclusive to Madagascar, which is located off the east coast of Africa, and over one hundred unique species live there.
This includes the ring-tailed lemur with its furry, striped tail, the dancing sifakas that leap sideways through the trees, and the goblin-like nocturnal aye-aye which uses its long middle finger to dig for food.
The name "lemur" comes from the Latin word lemures, meaning 'spirits of the night.' Many Malagasy people believe lemurs are similar to ghosts because of the eerie vocalizations, reflective eyes and night activity of some species.
It is believed that the ancestors of lemurs crossed arrived in Madagascar from Africa by rafting on floating vegetation early in primate evolution. They then became reproductively isolated.
Though they are primates, lemurs are much less closely related to humans than monkeys and apes. They more closely resemble primitive primates and can, therefore, provide insight into primate evolution.
Some lemur species often appear as though they are “sun-worshipping." Their bellies are not protected from colder temperatures so they warm themselves by basking in the sunlight before beginning their daily foraging activities.
When distances between trees are too great to leap, lemurs descend to the ground and cross distances of more than three hundred and thirty feet by standing upright and hopping sideways with their arms held to the side waving up and down, presumably for balance.
Female lemurs carry newborns in their mouth until the baby is able to cling to the fur on the mother's stomach or back.
Lemurs aid new plant growth by dispersing seeds that pass through their digestive systems after they eat.
The primary threat to lemurs is habitat destruction from agriculture and logging. Lemurs are also trapped for the pet trade and hunted for food.
The largest living lemur weighed as much as a male gorilla, between three hundred and fifty and four hundred and forty pounds!
Unfortunately, the species became extinct when humans first settled in Madagascar about two thousand years ago.
Male ring-tailed lemurs get in “stink fights” by rubbing their tails in their own scents and then shaking it at their opponent who then either responds with physical aggression, a display of his own or by fleeing.
Madagascar is home to over one hundred and ten species of lemurs across five families and fourteen genera, ranging in size from the twenty-five-gram pygmy mouse lemur to the three-foot indri.
Today is observed to create awareness about lemurs which are mammals of the order Primates.
They are small in size and have large eyes, long tail and a pointed snout. They primarily live in trees, and are active at night. Each has a unique look and have varied behaviors.
LEMUR FACTS
1. Lemurs are only found in Madagascar, located 250 miles off the east coast of Africa, the 4th largest island in the world.
2. There are an estimated one hundred and twelve species of lemurs, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
The smallest, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, has an average body weight of thirty grams and has a length of three-and-a-half inches.
The largest, the indri, weighs nineteen pounds and has a length of three feet.
3. Lemurs have a female-dominant society with a female leader who directs a social group.
Female lemurs snatch food away from the males, kick them out of sleeping spots, and even show actual physical aggression.
4. Lemurs play an important role in maintaining forest diversity, structure and dynamics through the movement of seeds. Some of them even play the role of seed dispersers.
5. Lemurs are the only primates that have blue eyes other than humans.
6. Lemurs can treat themselves on their own. Red-fronted brown lemurs eat millipedes to get rid of gastrointestinal parasites, such as worms.
7. Indri, a species of lemurs, sing and often in sync with each other to mark its territory and let others know.
8. Conservationists believe that ecotourism is the best way to ensure the survival of the lemurs of Madagascar.
9. Lemurs are said to rafted to Madagascar on floating islands of vegetation more than forty million years ago, and they lived in isolation without worrying about predators.
The Latin word lemures means the wandering spirits of the dead in Roman mythology and has references in their cultural practices.
It is important to save these animals from habitat loss and other issues or we will another animal species soon.
Lemurs play a huge role in maintaining forest diversity, structure and dynamics through the movement of seeds.
The Lemur Conservation Network works to support conservation on the ground in Madagascar, so that these species, which are the world’s oldest living primates, can thrive.
In 2014, the first World Lemur Festival was celebrated. The event aims to raise awareness about the value of lemurs as Madagascar’s unique natural heritage and promote lemur conservation and education worldwide.
"It is necessary to work hard, united, and close to the Malagasy people to save lemurs from extinction," says Lucia Rodriguez, director of Lemur Conservation Network.
"We invite everyone to join us at the Lemur Conservation Network and collaborate with each other. We are facing a crisis that goes beyond Madagascar and needs to be addressed by the world."
A staggering ninety-eight percent of lemur species are threatened with extinction, while thirty-one percent are categorized as critically endangered, which is the highest threat level.
By working together, we can save lemurs from extinction.
What is your favorite species of lemur?
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@lemurconservationnetwork
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