Range and Habitat: As with all lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Ring-tailed lemurs occur in the southern and southwestern parts of the island and inhabit deciduous forests, dry scrublands, montane humid forests, and gallery forests. Sadly, forests have been cleared from much of Madagascar to create pasture for livestock, which has greatly contributed to their endangerment.
Ring-tailed lemurs are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They use their hands and feet to move through the trees, but do not have prehensile (grasping) tails.
Ring-tailed lemurs are omnivores, eating both meat and plants. Fruit makes up the greater part of their diet, but they also eat leaves, flowers, tree bark, sap, and invertebrates.
Fun Facts: Ring-tailed lemurs are highly social, living in groups of up to 30 individuals that are female dominated. They like to sunbathe, sitting upright and facing forward with their thinner white fur positioned toward the sun.
