Indri indri
indri

Indris, Indri indri, are found in the northeastern part of Madagascar. (Nowak, 1983)

Indris reside in coastal and montane rainforest from sea level to 1,800 m in northeastern Madagascar.

Indri indri is considered to be the largest of the surviving lemur species. Individuals weigh between 7 and 10 kg when fully mature. The length of the head and body is 60 to 90 cm. The tail is vestigial and is only 5 to 6 cm long. Indris have prominent tufted ears, a long muzzle, long slender legs, short arms, and silky pelage. Individuals have variable pelage coloration, with patterns of grays, browns, blacks, and whites found in this species. The ears are always black, and the face, ears, shoulders, back, and arms are usually black, but may vary in color. Whitish patches may occur on the crown, neck or flanks, but may also occur on the rear and outside surfaces of the arms and legs. Individuals at the northern end of their range tend to be darker, whereas those at the southern end tend to be lighter in color.

Indris also have large hands and feet. The thumb is small and slightly opposable, but the big toe is large and very opposable. The other toes are held together by webbing and work as a unit.

Data on the mating system of these animals have not been reported. However, Indris appear to live in family units, consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. This indicates that these mammals are likely to be monogamous.

Indris breed seasonally, with individual females producing one offspring every 2 to 3 years. Births occur in May after a gestation of 120 to 150 days. Young are weaned at about 6 months of age, although they stay close to their mothers for about two years. Females become reproductively mature between 7 and 9 years of age.

The young ride on the mother's belly up to the age of 4 to 5 months, and then they move to the mother's back. Weaning takes place at about 6 months. At 8 months of age, the young are moving independently, although they stay close to their mothers until after age 2. The role of males in parental care has not been reported.

The lifespan of this species has not been reported. However, other lemurs may live betweeen 25 and 40 years in captivity. Indris are probably similar.

Indris are diurnal and arboreal. The amount of time of activity varies from season to season, depending on the amount of daylight available. Between 30 and 60% of its activities are associated with feeding. Indris move by vertical leaps from tree to tree. When they do descend to the ground, they move by jumping and holding their arms above their head.

Indris live in groups of 3 to 5 individuals, consisting of 2 adults and their offspring. The adult female is dominant to the adult male. The group ranges from 300 to 700 m daily. Groups space themselves through loud, wailing calls that not only determine territories, but also unite groups. Territorial defense is by adult males. They mark territories with urine and also use gland secretions from the muzzle.

As in other diurnal primates, visual signals are used in communication. Body posture and facial expressions are probably included in their visual signals. Indris are vocal, and use various calls to communicate. In addition, because they are social, tactile communication is probably important, especially between members of a family. Males use scent cues in marking familial territories.

Indris are vegetarian. They feed mainly on the fruits, leaves, and flowers of trees. Sometimes they feed on ground vegetation.

Details on predation of these mammals are not available in the literature. However, it is likely that large birds, or heavier carnivorous mammals may prey upon them.

As frugivores, indris probably help to disperse seeds. To the extent that they serve as prey for other animals, they may affect local food webs.

Indris are interesting animals and may be important in attracting ecotourists to Madagascar.

Indri indri is an endangered species. It is endemic to Madagascar, and it is losing its rainforest habitat for fuel, timber, and slash-and-burn agriculture. Destruction is occurring even in protected areas. Hunting of indris is taboo to the local people, although occasionally one is killed for food. Indris are not typically kept in captivity. Previous attempts to do so have been unsuccessful.

The loud call of the indri is produced by a laryngeal air sac. It can be heard by humans from as far away as 1.2 miles.

The name indri means "there it is." It arose from a misunderstanding between the local people and the person who 'discovered' it. The native name for the animal was actually babakoto or ambalana.