Animal
Ring-tailed lemur
A striped tail, daytime activity and group life led by females.
Langue du contenu
The black-and-white rings on its tail are among the most recognisable features of the ring-tailed lemur. Grey fur contrasts with a pale face, a dark muzzle tip and dark markings around the eyes. The hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs, and the animal jumps well and moves easily on the ground. Its tail is not prehensile: it cannot support the body from a branch like an extra hand.
This species comes from the dry southern and south-western parts of Madagascar. Ring-tailed lemurs also use rocky and open habitats. They are active by day and live in groups in which females take the lead. Their food includes fruit, leaves, seeds and flowers, supplemented by insects and other small animals.
Group life depends on contact between its members. Ring-tailed lemurs make a range of sounds, from squeaks and whistles to loud calls. They also use scent, marking their surroundings and rubbing gland secretions onto their tails. Grooming occupies a substantial part of their time. Close contact with companions, shared resting and scent communication are important aspects of their daily behaviour alongside feeding and moving around.
Pour les enfants
A ring-tailed lemur’s tail has black-and-white rings. But it is not an extra hand: a lemur cannot wrap it around a branch and hang from it. Strong hind limbs help it jump, and it moves easily on the ground.
Ring-tailed lemurs come from dry parts of Madagascar. They are active by day and live in groups led by females. They eat fruit, leaves, seeds and flowers, sometimes adding an insect or another small animal.
They communicate using sounds and smells. Squeaks, whistles and loud calls pass information to other lemurs. They also rub special gland secretions onto their tails and use them to mark their surroundings. Grooming takes up plenty of time. When resting, they often sit close to other members of their group.
Question 1 sur 2