Ring-tailed Lemur 30cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
Ring-tailed lemurs are unmistakable because of their long, vividly striped, black-and-white tail. The ring-tailed lemur's coat is black gray, the limbs and belly lighter, and the extremities white. They also have rings around their eyes and a black muzzle. Lemurs use their hands and feet to move nimbly through the trees, but cannot grip with their tails as some of their primate cousins do. They live for up to 18 years and normally measure about 45 cm in height with a 55cm long tail and weigh between 2.3 and 3.4kg.

Habitat
Lemurs are found only on the African island of Madagascar and some tiny neighbouring islands in the dry woodland districts.

Behaviour
Ring-tailed lemurs also spend a lot of time on the ground, which is unusual among lemur species. They have powerful scent glands and use their unique odor as a communication tool and even as a kind of weapon. Lemurs mark their territory by scent, serving notice of their presence to all who can smell. Ring-tailed lemurs live in groups known as troops. These groups may include 6 to 30 animals, but average about 17. Both sexes live in troops, but a dominant female presides over all.

Breeding
Ring-tailed lemurs are seasonal breeders, and begin in mid-April with infants being born in August and September. Gestation lasts four and a half months. Generally ring-tailed lemurs give birth to one offspring, but twins can be a frequent sight if food is plentiful. Initially, infants cling to their mother's belly, but after about two weeks, they can be seen riding jockey style on their mother's back. Infants begin eating solid food after about a week and will become increasingly independent after about a month.

Diet
Ring-tailed Lemurs forage for fruit, which makes up the greater part of their diet, but also eat leaves, flowers, tree bark, and sap.

Strange and Interesting Facts
Ring-tailed lemurs purr and mew like house cats and love to sunbathe with legs and arms spread wide!