The red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) is one of two species in the genus Varecia, the ruffed lemurs; the other is the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Like all lemurs, it is native to Madagascar. It occurs only in the rainforests of Masoala, in the northeast of the island. [1]

The Red ruffed lemurs are unique, medium-sized lemurs with a primate-like appearance. These animals differ greatly from all other types of lemur. They exhibit thick, soft, reddish coat with a long, black and heavily furred tail.

The red ruffed lemur is found in the primary forests remaining in the Masoala Peninsula and the area just north of Bay of Antongil in Madagascar. Being an arboreal creature, they prefer spending most of their time at the crowns of larger and taller trees throughout the year.

Red ruffed lemurs take their name from their plush chestnut- or orange-red coat, all the more striking because of their black face, tail, chest, and inner arms and legs. White fur marks the base of the head and may appear on hands and feet. They weigh 3.3-3.6 kilograms (about 8 pounds).

The Red Ruffed Lemur, scientifically known as Varecia rubra, stands as one of the most impressive and captivating members of the lemur family. This remarkable primate finds its roots on the captivating island of Madagascar, which is nestled off the southeast coast of Africa.

Varecia rubra (red ruffed lemur) currently lives, along with all extant lemurs, on the island-nation of Madagascar. Red ruffed lemurs inhabit the deciduous tropical forests of the Masoala Peninsula near Maroansetra. The Masoala Peninsula is one of the top conservation efforts in Madagascar.

The red ruffed lemur is critically endangered in Madagascar, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss, and fragmentation. Threats include slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy) and illegal logging and mining, as well as natural disasters like cyclones.

Red ruffed lemurs warn each other with a complex system of at least 12 different vocalizations. These alarm calls can be low grunts, gurgling sounds or a cackle-like roar. Red ruffed lemurs can even recognize the alarm calls of their co-subspecies, the black and white ruffed lemurs.

Red ruffed lemurs are covered with a coat of fluffy reddish-brown fur across the body. The forehead, stomach, insides of the limbs and tail are colored black. A white patch sits on the back of the neck. This fur is thick to help keep them warm in dry conditions. They have a pair of large yellow eyes with a black nose.

2024年10月30日 · The red-ruffed lemur has undergone a suspected > 80% population reduction over c. 24 years (equal to 3 generations).