Ring-tailed Lemur 503201 225589844 2008-07-14T13:17:50Z Pippu d'Angelo 131574 scn {{Taxobox | name = Ring-tailed Lemur<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=117}}</ref> | status = VU | trend = down | status_system = iucn2.3 | status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2006|assessors=Ganzhorn ''et al''|year=2000|id=11496|title=Lemur catta|downloaded=11 May 2006}} Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1c v2.3)</ref> | image = Ringtailed lemur ds.jpg | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordata]] | classis = [[Mammal]]ia | ordo = [[Primate]]s | familia = [[Lemuridae]] | genus = '''''Lemur''''' | genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758 | species = '''''L. catta''''' | binomial = ''Lemur catta'' | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758 | range_map = }} The '''Ring-tailed Lemur''' (''Lemur catta'') is a relatively large [[prosimian]], a [[lemur]] belonging to the family [[Lemuridae]]. The Ring-tailed Lemur is the only species within the monotypic genus '''''Lemur''''' and, like all other lemurs, is found only on the island of [[Madagascar]]. Although threatened by [[habitat destruction]] and therefore listed as vulnerable by the [[IUCN Red List]],<ref name=iucn/> the Ring-tailed Lemur is the most populous lemur in [[zoo]]s worldwide, with approximately 2000 in captivity. They reproduce readily in captivity and typically live up to 30 years (16 to 19 years in the wild). ==Physical description== [[Image:Ringtailed lemur tail.jpg|thumb|left|The Ring-tailed Lemur's tail is longer than its body]] Mostly grey with white underparts, the Ring-tailed Lemur has a slender frame; its narrow face is white with black [[lozenge]]-shaped patches around the eyes, and a black [[fox|vulpine]] muzzle. The lemur's trademark, a long, bushy tail, is ringed in twenty-six black and white rings. The tail always begins with a white stripe and ends with a black one. Like all lemurs, the Ring-tailed Lemur has hind limbs longer than its forelimbs; the palms and soles are padded with soft, leathery skin. Its fingers are slender and semi-dexterous with flat, human-like [[finger nail|nails]]. Also in common with all lemurs, the Ring-tailed Lemur has one claw, known as a [[toilet-claw]], on the second toe of each hind limb specialized for [[Personal grooming|grooming]] purposes. Additionally, these primates groom orally by licking and tooth-scraping with narrow, procumbent lower incisors and canines, called a [[tooth comb]]. The species' eyes can be a bright yellow or orange, which stay the same color from the time they are born. Adults may reach a body length of {{cm to in|46|abbr=yes|wiki=yes|precision=0}} and a weight of {{kg to lb|5.5|abbr=yes|wiki=yes|precision=0}}. Its tail is longer than its body, at up to {{cm to in|56|abbr=yes}} in length. ==Natural history== ===Ecology=== The Ring-tailed Lemur is [[diurnal animal|diurnal]] and semi-terrestrial. It is the most [[terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] of all lemur species, spending as much as 33% of its time on the ground. However, like other lemurs, it is also considerably [[arboreal]], spending 23% of its time in the mid-level [[canopy (forest)|canopy]], 25% in the upper-level canopy, 6% in the emergent layer, and 13% in small bushes. Troop travel is 70% terrestrial.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet>{{cite web |last = Cawthon Lang |first = KA |date = 2005-07-21 |title = Primate Factsheets: Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) Taxonomy, Morphology, & Ecology |publisher = Wisconsin Primate Research Center (WPRC) |url = http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/ring-tailed_lemur |accessdate = 2008-04-18}}</ref> Troop sizes range from 6 to 25, with 13 to 15 being the average and groups over 30 individuals being recorded.<ref name=Garbutt>{{cite book | author = Garbutt | title = Mammals of Madagascar, A Complete Guide | pages = 146-148 | publisher = A&C Black Publishers | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-0-300-12550-4 | pp 163-4}}</ref> Troop size, home range, and population density vary by region and food availability. Home range sizes range between 6 and 23 [[hectare]]s. Troops of the Ring-tailed Lemur will maintain a territory, but overlap is often high. When encounters occur, they are [[Agonistic behaviour|agonistic]]. A troop will usually occupy the same part of its range for 3 or 4 days before moving. When it does move, the average traveling distance is {{km to mi|1|abbr=yes|precision=2}}.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> [[Population density]] ranges from 100 individuals per {{km2 to mi2|1|abbr=yes|wiki=yes|precision=2}} in dry forests to 250-600 individuals per km<sup>2</sup> in [[gallery forest|gallery]] and secondary forests.<ref name=Mittermeier>{{cite book | author = Mittermeier, Russell A., et al. | title = Lemurs of Madagascar | edition = 2nd Edition | pages = 237-249 | publisher = Conservation International | year = 2006}}</ref> ====Geographic range and habitat==== Found in southern and southwestern [[Madagascar]] and ranging further into highland areas than any other lemur, the Ring-tailed Lemur inhabits [[deciduous forest]]s, dry scrub, montane humid forests, and [[gallery forest]]s (forests along riverbanks). The Ring-tailed Lemur strongly favors gallery forests; such forests have now been cleared from much of Madagascar in order to create pasture for livestock.<ref name=Mittermeier/> Depending on location, temperatures within its geographic range can range between {{C to F|-7|abbr=yes|wiki=yes|precision=0}} to {{C to F|48|abbr=yes}}.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> This species is found as far east as [[Tolagnaro]], north to [[Belo sur Tsiribihina]], along the west coast, and inland towards the mountains of [[Andringitra National Park|Andringitra]] on the southeastern plateau. It can be seen in the [[Berenty Reserve]], [[Andohahela National Park]], [[Isalo National Park]], and [[Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park]].<ref name=Mittermeier/> ====Sympatric relations==== The following lemur species can be found within the Ring-tailed Lemur geographic range:<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> * [[Verreaux's Sifaka|Verreaux's Sifaka (''Propithecus verreauxi'')]] * [[Red-tailed Sportive Lemur|Red-tailed Sportive Lemur (''Lepilemur ruficaudatus'')]] * [[White-footed Sportive Lemur|White-footed Sportive Lemur (''Lepilemur leucopus'')]] * [[Red-fronted Brown Lemur|Red-fronted Brown Lemur (''Eulemur rufus'')]] * [[Greater Dwarf Lemur|Greater Dwarf Lemur (''Cheirogaleus major'')]] * [[Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur|Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur (''Cheirogaleus medius'')]] * [[Aye-aye|Aye-aye (''Daubentonia madagascariensis'')]] * [[Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur|Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur (''Hapalemur griseus'')]] [[Image:Lemur_eating_tamarind.jpg|thumb|left|Ring-tailed Lemur eating tamarind.]] ===Behaviour=== ====Diet==== The Ring-tailed Lemur is an opportunistic [[omnivore]], although it primarily eats fruits and leaves, particularly those of the [[tamarind|tamarind tree (''Tamarindus indica'')]]. When available, tamarind can make up as much as 50% of the Ring-tailed Lemur's diet annually, especially during the dry, winter season. However, the Ring-tailed Lemur is known to eat from as many as 3 dozen different plant species and also includes flowers, herbs, bark, and sap in its diet. Additionally, it has been observed eating decayed wood, [[geophagy|earth]], spider webs, insect cocoons, [[arthropod]]s (spiders, caterpillars, cicadas, and grasshoppers), and small [[vertebrate]]s (birds and chameleons).<ref name=Mittermeier/> It becomes increasingly opportunistic during the dry season. ====Social organization & interactions==== The Ring-tailed Lemur lives in multi-male/multi-female troops, with a [[matriline]] as the core group. As with most lemurs, females socially dominate males in all circumstances, including feeding priority. Dominance is enforced by lunging, chasing, cuffing, grabbing, and biting. Young females do not inherit their mother's rank, while young males leave the troop in trios between 3-5 years of age. Both sexes have separate dominance hierarchies, with females having a distinct hierarchy and male rank being correlated with age. Generally, each troop has one to three central, high-ranking adult males, who interact with females more than other group males and lead the troop procession with high-ranking females. Lower ranking males are typically recently transferred males, old males, or young adult males that have not yet left their natal group. They tend to be marginalized from group activity, staying at the periphery of the group.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> For males, social structure changes can be seasonal, with males immigrating between groups during the 6-month period between December through May. Young males transfer every 1.4 years, while more established males transfer every 3.5 years. Group fission occurs when groups get too large and resources become scarce.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> [[Image:Lemurs_sunning.jpg|thumb|right|Ring-tailed Lemurs sunning]] In the mornings, the Ring-tailed Lemur sunbathes to warm itself. It face the sun, sitting in what is frequently described as a "sun-worshipping" posture or [[Lotus position]]. However, it sits with its legs extended outward, not cross-legged, and will often support itself on nearby branches. Sunning is often a group activity, particularly during the cold mornings. At night, troops will split into sleeping parties, huddling closely together to keep warm. Groups of huddled Ring-tailed Lemurs are popularly referred to as ''lemur balls''. Despite being primarily [[quadruped|quadrupedal]], the Ring-tailed Lemur can rear up and balance on its hind legs, usually for aggressive displays. When threatened, the Ring-tailed Lemur has been known to strike out with its short nails in a behaviour termed ''jump fighting''. This action is extremely rare outside of the breeding season when tensions are high and competition for access to mates is intense. Other aggressive behaviours include a ''threat-stare'', used to intimidate or start a fight, and a submissive gesture known as ''pulled-back lips''.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> Border disputes with rival troops occur occasionally, and it is the dominant female's responsibility to defend the troop's home range. Agonistic encounters include staring, lunging approaches, and occasional physical aggression, and conclude with troop members retreating toward the center of the home range.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> =====Olfactory communication===== Like most other prosimians, [[olfaction|olfactory]] communication is critically important for the Ring-tailed Lemur. Male and female lemurs [[territorial marking|scent mark]] with their genital regions, which are enriched with [[apocrine]] and [[sebaceous]] [[scent gland]]s. Male lemurs also possess [[antebrachial gland]]s on their wrists and [[brachial gland]]s on the [[axillary]] surface of their shoulders. These glands secrete a greasy substance which is used to demarcate territories and maintain intragroup dominance hierarchies. Males also possess a thorny spur that overlays the antebrachial gland on each wrist and these are scraped against tree trunks to create grooves anointed with their scent. This is known as ''spur-marking''. In displays of aggression, males will engage in a social display behaviour called ''stink fighting'', which involves impregnating their tails with secretions from the antebrachial and brachial glands, and then waving the scented tail at male rivals. Males will also occasionally wave their scented tails at females as a form of sexual overture; this usually results in the female cuffing or biting the male, and elicits subordinate vocalizations from the would-be paramour. =====Auditory communication===== {{main|Calls of the Ring-tailed Lemur}} The Ring-tailed Lemur has a complex array of distinct [[animal communication|vocalizations]] used to maintain group cohesion during foraging and alert group members to the presence of a predator. [[Image:Ring tailed lemur and twins.jpg|right|thumb|A female carrying new-born twins]] ====Breeding and reproduction==== The Ring-tailed Lemur is [[polygyny|polygynous]], although one central male typically breeds with more females than the others do. Fighting is most common during the breeding season.<ref name=AnimalDiversity>{{cite web |last = Anderson |first = R |date = 1999 |title = Lemur catta |publisher = Animal Diversity Web |url = http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Lemur_catta.html |accessdate = 2008-04-18}}</ref> When receptive, females will present their backside, lift their tail, and look at her desired male over her shoulder. Males will typically inspect the female's genitals to determine receptiveness. Although females typically mate within their troop, they will occasionally seek out males from outside their troop. The breeding season runs from mid-April to mid-May, with [[estrus]] lasting approximately 6-24 hours. [[Gestation]] lasts for 135-145 days, with [[childbirth|parturition]] occurring in September. In the wild, one offspring is the norm, although twins are common in captivity. Ring-tailed Lemur infants have a birth weight of 70g and are carried ventrally (on the chest) for the first 1-2 weeks, then dorsally (on the back). The young lemurs begin to eat solid food after two months and are fully weaned after five months. Sexual maturity is reached between 2.5-3 years.<ref name=AnimalDiversity/> Male involvement in infant rearing is limited, although the entire troop, regardless of age or sex, can be seen caring for the young. [[Alloparenting]] between troop females can be seen, with instances of kidnapping having been reported. [[Infanticide]] by males also occurs occasionally.<ref name=PrimateInfoNet/> Due to harsh environmental conditions, accidents (such as falls), and predation, infant mortality can be as high as 50% within the first year, with as few as 30% reaching adulthood.<ref name=Garbutt/> ==Threats in the wild== Human activity is the greatest threat to Ring-tailed Lemurs. [[Habitat destruction]] is the greatest concern, with much of their range being cleared through annual burning to create pasture for livestock. Furthermore, [[overgrazing]] and the felling of trees for [[charcoal]] production are having a severe impact. This species is also hunted for food ([[bush meat]]) and kept as [[exotic pet|pet]]s. The Ring-tailed Lemur has both natural and [[introduced species|introduced]] predators. Native predators include the [[Fossa (animal)|Fossa (''Cryptoprocta ferox'')]], the [[Madagascar Harrier-hawk|Madagascar Harrier-hawk (''Polyboroides radiatus'')]], the [[Madagascar Buzzard|Madagascar Buzzard (''Buteo brachypterus'')]], and the [[Boa madagascariensis|Madagascar Ground Boa (''Boa madagascariensis'')]]. [[introduced species|Introduced]] predators include the [[Small Indian Civet|Small Indian Civet (''Viverricula indica'')]], the [[Domestic Cat]], and the [[Domestic Dog]].<ref name=Mittermeier/> ==In popular culture== <!-- please keep this section to a minimum. if you want to greatly expand it, make it a new article--> The Ring-tailed Lemur has been popularized in the animated film [[Madagascar (2005 film)|Madagascar (2005)]] and in the [[Animal Planet]] television series [[Lemur Kingdom]]. The television series depicts real events in the lives of wild Ring-tailed Lemurs, whereas the animated film depicts [[anthropomorphic]] representations, with lemurs talking, singing, and dancing. ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Lemur catta}} {{Wikispecies|Lemur}} {{Wikispecies|Lemur catta|Ring-tailed Lemur}} *ARKive - [http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/mammals/Lemur_catta/ images and movies of the ring-tailed lemur ''(Lemur catta)''] * [http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/ring-tailed_lemur Primate Info Net ''Lemur catta'' Factsheet] * [http://lemur.duke.edu/animals/ringtailed/ Duke Lemur Center: Ring-tailed Lemurs] * [http://www.lemurreserve.org/ Lemur Conservation Foundation] * [http://animal.discovery.com/tv/lemur-kingdom/lemur-kingdom.html Animal Planet: Lemur Kingdom] * [http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/lemur/ Nature: A Lemur's Tale] {{Lemuridae nav}} [[Category:Prosimians]] [[Category:Endemic fauna of Madagascar]] ''[[bg:Лемури]] [[cs:Lemur kata]] [[da:Kattalemur]] [[de:Katta]] [[es:Lemur catta]] [[fr:Lémur catta]] [[ko:호랑이꼬리여우원숭이]] [[hr:Prstenastorepi lemur]] [[io:Makio]] [[it:Lemur catta]] [[he:למור זנב טבעת]] [[lt:Katinis lemūras]] [[lij:Lemur]] [[hu:Gyűrűsfarkú maki]] [[nl:Ringstaartmaki]] [[ja:ワオキツネザル]] [[nn:Lemur]] [[pl:Lemur katta]] [[pt:Lemur-de-cauda-anelada]] [[ru:Кошачий лемур]] [[scn:Lemur]] [[sr:Прстенорепи лемур]] [[fi:Kissamaki]] [[sv:Ringsvanslemur]] [[zh:环尾狐猴]] ''