Ruffed lemur
A large, fruit-eating lemur in the genus Varecia, native to Madagascar and distinguished by its prominent neck ruff.
Varecia: A genus of large, fruit-eating lemurs native to Madagascar. Ruffed lemurs are the two living species in this genus.
Seed dispersal: The movement of seeds away from parent plants, often by animals that eat fruit. By swallowing fruit and defecating seeds, ruffed lemurs help regenerate forests.
Conservation of lemurs: Efforts to protect lemur species, their habitats, and Madagascar’s ecological systems. Ruffed lemurs are among the most threatened lemurs and need habitat protection.
Madagascar biodiversity: The variety of life in Madagascar, including many species found nowhere else. Ruffed lemurs are distinctive components of the island’s endemic wildlife.
Red ruffed lemur: A critically endangered species of Varecia with a mainly reddish coat. It is one of the two species grouped as ruffed lemurs.
Canopy: The upper layer of a forest formed by the crowns of trees. Ruffed lemurs forage and move largely in the forest canopy.
Madagascar dry deciduous forests: Seasonally dry forests in Madagascar that lose much of their foliage during the dry season. These forests support some ruffed lemur populations and face conversion and fragmentation.
Tropical rainforest: A warm, wet forest ecosystem with high rainfall and dense vegetation. Ruffed lemurs depend on Madagascar’s remaining tropical rainforests.
Black-and-white ruffed lemur: A critically endangered Varecia species with a contrasting black-and-white coat. Its striking coat distinguishes the other living ruffed lemur species.
Lemur communication: The use of vocal, scent, visual, and tactile signals by lemurs. Ruffed lemurs use loud calls to coordinate and warn group members.