Propithecus verreauxi
Range
They are found on the island of Madagascar in the southwestern forests.Habitat
They live in open, dry, thorny forests.Body Traits
They are one of the largest lemurs weighing up to 10 pounds. They measure up to 2 feet (55cm) long with another 2 feet of tail. They are mostly white, with a dark top of their heads and face and yellow eyes. They have a long tail (it doubles their length).Habits
They are active during the day (diurnal) traveling on the ground between trees on two legs swinging their arms in a way for which they are known, called the “sifaka dance.” They are more graceful when they can travel in the trees, jumping from tree to tree. They are able to leap into thorn-covered trees without getting hurt. They have a loud, strange call when alarmed.Diet
They eat leaves, flowers, fruit and bark.Predators
They are killed by snakes eagles, fossa and man.Reproduction
Females are pregnant for 5 months (gestation) and have 1 baby.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They have can live more than 15 years in captivity. Unknown in the wild. They are listed as a “vulnerable” species.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Suborder: Strepsirrhini
- Family: Indriidae
- Genus: Propithecus
- Species: Propithecus verreauxi