Woolly Lemurs

The Indri family of lemurs (Indriidae) branches into 3 genera: the Indri occupies genus of its own; then there's the Sifakas; and smallest are the Woolly Lemurs (Avahi), which reach 30 - 50 cm in body length and 600g to 1200g in weight. There are 9 known species,  all of which are nocturnal; and like all within the Indriidae family, they are strictly vegetarian. 

Woolly lemurs eat leaves primarily, which requires extensive periods of rest to digest. A combination of their diet and need to rest makes them a slow-moving target when they are active at night. We need to be in the right place and spot them, initially at least, by the reflection of their eyes. We can also see them by day, though not always with eyes included! What we have to look for is a ball of fur clinging to a tree. The lack of movement makes this difficult,  especially since the fur camouflages well to the brown, grey and reddish shades of tree bark. Their tails are reddish, but what is easiest to spot is the white front of their thighs, which they invariably fold up against their bellies. 

On our Lemurs, Golden Frogs & New Rainforest Reserve trips we have a distinct advantage, which enables regular sightings of Eastern Woolly Lemurs. We explore the Mangabe Rainforest Reserve along trails set up for lemur censuses. Our local guides ply these transects regularly, so we know the favoured roosting sites of Woolly Lemurs. 

Male and female Woolly Lemurs usually live in pairs. Females give birth to a single young in September. The young are weaned by March, which is the last month of the wet season - ideal for the availability of lush green leaves. The young can live independently by the time they are a year old, but may stay close to mother for up to a year beyond that. 

Here is a list of all recognised species of Woolly Lemur.  As the list suggests,  Woolly Lemurs appear to have diverged into different species  as a result of separation, evolving to different environments such as the Eastern rainforests and its Western dry forests. 

o Eastern Woolly Lemur, Avahi laniger 

o Western Woolly Lemur, Avahi occidentalis 

o Southern Woolly Lemur, Avahi meridionalis 

o Sambirano Woolly Lemur, Avahi unicolor 

o Peyrieras's Woolly Lemur, Avahi peyrierasi 

o Ramanantsoavana's Woolly Lemur, Avahi ramanantsoavani 

o Betsileo Woolly Lemur, Avahi betsileo 

o Moore's Woolly Lemur, Avahi mooreorum 

o Bemaraha Woolly Lemur, Avahi cleesei 

The last on the list was only discovered in 1990. As the English name suggests,  it is found in the Tsingy of Bemaraha - a very large area of limestone karst and caves. It is also known as Cleese's Woolly Lemur, named after the actor and Fawlty Towers and Monty Python comedian, John Cleese, by the scientist from Zurich University who first discovered it.  John Cleese has a strong fondness towards lemurs and a commitment to help protect them. How many of this lemur survive is unknown, but it is considered Critically Endangered since its habitat continues to be damaged by human encroachment.

  • Eastern Woolly Lemur Mangabe Rainforest Ralph Pannell Aqua-Firma

Lemurs of Madagascar

Madagascar

Madagascar National Park & Reserves Guide

 

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