Brown Lemur

Lemur macaco fulvus

Status in the Wild: Endangered Species

Range: Northern east coast of Madagascar

Habitat: Rainforest

Lemurs are one of the prosimian families native to Madagascar. They are divided into two subfamilies: the dwarf and mouse lemur (six species) and the lemurs, made up of eight species of cat-sized primates, including the true lemurs, gentle lemurs and sportive lemurs. The brown lemur is one of the true lemurs. Probably the most familiar of the true lemurs is the ring-tailed lemur. This animal is very striking with its long bushy black and white ringed tail.

The brown lemur has light brown under fur and dark back fur. There is a pale gray/brown area above the eyes which have golden yellow irises. This subspecies live in social groups of up to 12 individuals. Groups feed and sleep within a home range which is marked with excrement.

These very arboreal animals move through the trees by following horizontal branches, leaping from tree to tree in four-footed jumps, and using their long tails for balance. Brown lemurs have a body length of about 14 to 16 inches with a 16 to 20 inch furry tail. They are primarily herbivores feeding on fruit, flowers, buds and leaves. They are both diurnal and crepuscular.

Mating takes place in April and May. The gestation period is about 4 ½ months. Single births occur most often, but twins are fairly frequent. Mothers are very attentive, first carrying the baby on her belly. After several weeks the young begin to ride on the mother’s back.

Brown lemurs breed well in captivity and have lived up to about 25 years in captivity. Longevity in the wild is shorter, probably around seven years. Due to habitat destruction, all species of lemurs are listed as endangered.