The red lemur (Eulemur rufus), rufous brown lemur or northern red-fronted lemur
The red lemur (Eulemur rufus), also known as the rufous brown lemur or northern red-fronted lemur, is a species of lemur from Madagascar.
Description
Eulemur rufus is a species of strepsirrhine primate in the family Lemuridae.
Females are reddish-brown, males greyish-brown, with white patches over the eyes and a reddish forehead in males.
Distribution
Half a century ago it was the most numerous lemur in Madagascar. They are distributed throughout most of eastern and western Madagascar, and on the central plateau. To date, it has survived only in a small number of protected areas in western and north-western Madagascar. Eulemur rufus inhabits dry deciduous forests.
Reproduction and way of life
Eulemures rufus lives in groups of 4 to 17 adults of both sexes. It is not very territorial, living in very small areas.
They feed mainly on leaves, fruits and flowers.
Gestation is in April-June. Pregnancy of 4.5 months. The female gives birth to a calf in August-November. The lactation period lasts about 5 months.
Conservation status
Decreasing numbers due to deforestation and hunting. Listed in Appendix I of CITES. Protected in 3 national parks (Baie de Baly, Tsingy de Bemaraha and Tsingy de Namoroka), Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, 3 special reserves (Bemarivo, Kasijy and Maningoza) and Tsiombokibo Classified Forest.
