Lemur, Ring Tail

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Physical Characteristics

Although the species exists entirely in a relatively small space of land, they have a wide diversity in physical traits from one subspecies to the next. Like all primates, lemurs have 5 independent digits on their hands and feet. Most lemurs have elongated limbs that suit them for a life of climbing trees and leaping from branch to branch.

Habitat & Diet

Their habitat is heavily forested areas full of their preferred foods of leafy plant materials, insects and fruit. Smaller lemurs are more likely to eat fruit and insects, while the larger species' diet consists mostly of foliage. Ring-tailed lemurs have been observed eating small rodents when other food is in short supply, classifying them as opportunistic omnivores.

Social Behavior

Lemurs live in groups of up to 15 individuals. The way they interact varies from one subspecies to the next, but most are nocturnal and will forage by themselves, but stay in communication with their nest mates through vocal cues.


Meet our Residents

Fascinating Facts

    • Lemurs are only found in the wild on the island nation of Madagascar. This means the entire evolutionary history of all the subspecies has occurred in one location.
    • Lemurs are one of the few primates to have a female centric society build. Males roam their territory in solitude while the females lead the nesting groups.

Status In The Wild

Lemurs are classified as an Endangered species. Their homes have been steadily shrinking in recent years due to deforestation. They are also sought after as bush meat by hunters, and are prized as exotic pets leading to live capture being an increasing problem. Though they do very well in captivity, the relative small size of their only natural habitat means that lemurs in the wild have very little hope without successful conservation efforts to stop the deforesting of Madagascar.

Waystation Residents

Click on the pictures below to meet our resident animals!

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