Black lemur (lat. Eulemur macaco) is a small mammal of the primates, belonging to the family Lemuridae. This animal is remarkable for its unique and very beautiful color, which is peculiar only to males. Along with other lemurs, Eulemur macaco belongs to the endemic of the island of Madagascar.
Black lemur is a “Red Book” species and has a “vulnerable” conservation status. Currently, the animal is on the verge of extinction. In order to protect the species on the island of Nosy Be, a wildlife reserve was formed, in which a small population lives.
General description and photo of black lemur
Eulemur macaco is similar in size to a cat. The body length of this animal varies from 39 to 50 cm, and weight can reach 3 kg. The tail is quite large (up to 65 cm). The total body length is 90-110 cm, of which 35-45 cm falls on the head.
The whole body of black lemur is covered with soft long hair. Crests extend from the ears, forming a fluffy collar around the neck. The muzzle of the animal is narrow, in shape resembles a fox. Wide-set eyes protrude slightly forward, giving black lemur stereoscopic vision.
This species is characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism. The female Eulemur macaco is a lemur with a black muzzle, a brownish torso and a white collar around the neck. Compared to the back, belly hair is usually lighter. In some individuals, it is not brown, but gray. The chest is usually covered with whitish hair.
In general, the color of females has more options, which even caused the erroneous separation of Eulemur macaco into subspecies. So, the muzzle is not only black, but also brown or dark gray, and the brown coat of the body has many shades (red, red, golden, chestnut, etc.). The limbs are always lighter, and the tail, on the contrary, is darker. In some cases, the legs are dark gray. In males of Eulemur macaco, the whole body is covered with plain black hair, which was the reason for the name of the species associated with color.
Black lemurs are the inhabitants of trees. Sharp curved claws allow them to hold well on branches when moving. The forelimbs of the black lemurs are shorter than the hind limbs. As a result, these animals do not use the pendulum method as a means of movement. Instead of swinging the torso on the front legs, the black lemurs move in jogging or walking on four limbs. Powerful legs are used for jumping up to 26 feet.
Habitat
Black lemurs live on the islands of Madagascar, Nosy Be and Nosy Comba, which are located close to each other. These animals prefer the upper and middle tiers of trees, which is associated with food sources. Sometimes lemurs fall to the ground.
The distribution area in Madagascar covers the northwestern part of the island.
Lifestyle & Nutrition
Black lemurs are predominantly herbivorous animals with a fairly rich diet, the basis of which is ripe fruits and leaves. During the rainy season, these animals can feed on mushrooms, insects, and millipedes, and during the drought season, nectar, flowers, and seed pods. The most favorite dish of Eulemur macaco is ripe fruits, for which individuals can compete fiercely with each other.
Black lemurs live in groups of up to 20 individuals, which occupy a strictly defined area of 5-6 hectares. The controlling role belongs to the female, which dominates the males. Between different family groups, territorial fees and the exchange of adults are possible.
A unique feature of the lifestyle of black lemurs is round-the-clock activity, the greatest peak of which falls at dusk. Food can occur both in the daytime and at night.
The lifespan of Eulemur macaco is 20-25 years.
Social behavior
Black lemurs have a developed communication system, which is based on smell, voice and facial expressions. Vocal sounds are of great importance for communication, identification of group members, expression of satisfaction, warning of danger, etc.
A very important role in communication is played by odorous tags, which are produced by special glands. These signals are original business cards of each individual, they report on the state of the animal.
Breeding
The system of reproduction of black lemurs is currently insufficiently studied. It is known that females not only manage groups, but also dominate when mating over males. The latter can fight each other for the right to receive priority in mating. Nevertheless, the choice of partner always remains with the female.
Breeding Eulemur macaco is seasonal in nature and is dated to June or July. In zoos of regions other than the natural distribution area, this period may shift. So, in the USA, the beginning of the mating season falls in October.
Pregnancy lasts from 120 to 129 days. Usually one cub is born, less often two. At first, the newborn is always attached to the mother’s stomach, and later moves to the back. After three weeks, the cub begins to walk and take adult food.
Eulemur macaco becomes completely independent in 5-6 months, and reaches puberty by two years.
Black and white lemur
Black and white lemur vari is the largest representative of the Lemuridae family. The body of this animal reaches 100-120 cm in length, and weight - about 4 kg. Lemur vari has a black and white color, unlike another representative of the genus - red vari. Previously, these animals were considered subspecies. The scientific name for varieur lemur is Varecia variegata.
The habitat of the species is the rain forests of the eastern part of Madagascar. Like other representatives of the lemur family, the brew is endemic to this island.