Von der Decken's sifaka (Propithecus deckenii)
Von der Decken's sifaka (Propithecus deckenii) is a sifaka lemur that is endemic to the arid, deciduous and spiny succulent forests of Western Madagascar.
Propithecus deckenii is a species of primate mammal in the family Indriidae.
Description
Creamy white fur, black face, hairless. Neck, shoulders, back and limbs tinged yellow, silver-grey or light brown. In some parts of the range there are melaniform specimens with dark brown or black head, brown shoulders, back and upper limbs. The abdomen and thorax of melaniformes are dark brown. Total adult length is 92.5 to 107.5 cm, with a body length of 42.5 to 47.5 cm and a tail length of 50 to 60 cm. Weight is 3.5 to 4.5 kg.
Distribution and lifestyle
Found in western Madagascar in various forest fragments between the Manambulu River in the south and the Mahavavi River in the north. Hybrids with Propithecus coronatus occur in some areas.
Diurnal animals. Form groups of two to ten individuals.
Subspecies
Formerly considered a subspecies of Verro's Siphaca, but now a separate species. Some primatologists consider there to be two subspecies:
- Propithecus deckenii coronatus;
- Propithecus deckenii deckenii.
Propithecus deckenii coronatus is often regarded as a separate species Propithecus coronatus.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has designated this species as Vulnerable because the population has declined by more than 30% in 30 years (3 generations) according to 2008 estimates. Habitat destruction and fragmentation is one of the main threats to the species.
