The southern woolly lemur or southern avahi (Avahi meridionalis)
The southern woolly lemur (Avahi meridionalis), or southern avahi, has been recently recognised as a separate species of woolly lemur in 2006 by Zaramody et al.
Appearance
Avahi meridionalis is a primate of the family Indriidae. A species of woolly lemur, recognised as such in 2006. The fur is greyish-brown on the dorsum, with a lighter shade under the back. Abdomen, thorax and inner limbs grey. Tail reddish brown, darker towards the tip. The average weight of the adult male is 1.1 kg, that of the female 1.2 kg. The average body length without tail is 27 cm for females and 25 cm for males.
Distribution and nutrition
Found in Madagascar in the Andujahuela Nature Reserve, exact range limits are unknown. Microcebus rufus, Cheirogaleus major and Cheirogaleus medius and Eulemur collaris are sympatric with Hapalemur meridionalis in the southeastern coastal forest.
Nocturnal animals forming small family groups. Group area ranges from 2.2 to 3.5 hectares. Diet consists mainly of leaves and young shoots. The diet is supplemented by flowers and other plant parts.
Conservation status
Occurs in the coastal forests of southeastern Madagascar. Range is rather fragmented, which negatively affects population numbers. Accurate data on population numbers and density are not available. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the species as data deficient.
