Mongoose Lemur
Eulemur mongoz
Madagascar
Head and body length: 30 - 35 cm, tail: 45 - 48 cm
1.1 - 1.6 kg
Estimated at 1,000 - 10,000
Tropical dry deciduous and secondary forests in Madagascar; also found on two islands in the Comoros
Madagascar
Comoro Islands
Ladies first. That's how it works for the mongoose lemur, as the female occupies the dominant position in the hierarchy. Family groups stay close together when traveling and feeding, but first choice in food and the lead in mating go to her. Females do present a united front with males when defending their territory from other groups through displays of aggression, including vocalizations, charges and scent marking. But there are certain dangers against which even the most ferocious displays offer no defense. Chief among these life-threatening perils are habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the pet trade. Can the lemurs last?
Ladies first. That's how it works for the mongoose lemur, as the female occupies the dominant position in the hierarchy. Family groups stay close together when traveling and feeding, but first choice in food and the lead in mating go to her. Females do present a united front with males when defending their territory from other groups through displays of aggression, including vocalizations, charges and scent marking. But there are certain dangers against which even the most ferocious displays offer no defense. Chief among these life-threatening perils are habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the pet trade. Can the lemurs last?