Propithecus edwardsi
Milne-Edward's sifaka

Propithecus edwardsi is found only on the island of Madagascar which lies off the southwest coast of Africa. They are only found in a small area of southeastern Madagascar from the Mangoro and Onvine rivers in the north to the Rienana River in the south, within the Andringitra National Park. Formerly they probably occurred as far south as the Manampatrana River. A clinal gradient seems to be expressed between Propithecus edwardsi and Propithecus diadema due to a change in environments. They are both found in the same area but P. diadema is found on more inland mountain ranges. ("IUCN Redlist", 2008; Rasoloarison et al., 2006; Tattersall and Sussman, 1975; Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas live on the eastern coast of Madagascar in the coastal mountain range in primary and secondary forest habitats from 600 to 1600 m elevatiion. Forested habitats in these mountains have been reduced by human exploitation, although areas are now protected in refuges. ("IUCN Redlist", 2008; Rasoloarison et al., 2006; Tattersall and Sussman, 1975; Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas are black or chocolate brown sifakas with white patches on the hind legs and back. These white patches are not always present and sometimes are replaced by silver-tipped hairs. They have a short, naked black face with forward facing eyes for increased depth perception. The ears are also naked but generally covered by the fur on the head. Males have a dark black or brown gular gland. Their eyes are orange-red. Head and body length is from 42 to 52 cm, tail length is from 41 to 48 cm, and weight is from 5 to 6.5 kg. (Rasoloarison et al., 2006; Tattersall and Sussman, 1975)

Milne-Edward's sifakas can live a long time and reproduce slowly. Almost half of all young Milne-Edward's sifakas do not survive beyond 1 year because of predation and stress associated with habitat loss. Some mortalities of young are the result of infanticide by males from outside of family groups. (Rasoloarison et al., 2006; Tattersall and Sussman, 1975; Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas are found in small family groups of 3 to 9 individuals. They use vertical clinging and leaping to move through their complex, forested habitats. Their excellent depth perception is used to carefully pick their landing spot. They use their powerful hind legs to launch themselves from a tree, then swing their body around in mid-leap to land hind legs first on the target tree. They do not move around on ground well because they have short legs and longer arms. Their feet are semi-digitigrade and they have an opposable hallux for clinging to branches. While foraging they move more slowly on thinner branches. They use larger trees and branches for travelling. They have a tooth comb formed by their bottom incisors that is used for personal and social grooming. Play behaviors seem to occur more during the wet season and grooming occurs during periods of rest. Occasionally members of the family group greet each other with a brief nose-touch. (Rasoloarison et al., 2006; Tattersall and Sussman, 1975; Tattersall, 1982)

Home Range

Groups of Milne-Edward's sifakas typically range over 100 to 250 hectares. Population densities are estimated at about 8 individuals per square kilometer. (Rasoloarison et al., 2006; Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas use different sounds to communicate. “Moos” are used to inform others of group’s location. Warning calls include a sudden “zusss” sound to warn of enemies on the ground and barking, which warns of aerial threats. When they are lost, individuals whistle to let their group know where to find them. Allogroooming is a form of tactile communication and it is likely that other forms of touch and body language are used among individuals. Scent marking by males is a form of sexual communication. (jrank.org, 2009)

Milne-Edward's sifakas are mainly frugivores, but they also eat leaves, seeds, and flowers. They eat a wide variety of plants on a daily basis and throughout the year, with their diet varying with seasonal availability of foods. (Gould and Sauther, 2006; jrank.org, 2009; Rasoloarison et al., 2006)

Milne-Edward's sifakas are preyed on by fossas (Cryptoprocta ferox). In order to avoid these predators they use their jumping speed which surpasses the speed of a fossa in the trees. Young may also be preyed on by large raptors, although this has not been documented. (Tattersall and Sussman, 1975; Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas eat fruit which helps to disperse the seeds of the trees they forage in. They also help to create awareness of endangered endemic species and generate support for forest conservation in Madagascar. (Gould and Sauther, 2006)

Milne-Edward's sifakas have no recorded negative impacts on humans. (Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas are sometimes hunted for food, but hunting is restricted due to difficulty acquiring guns. They also create a need for selective logging so that the remaining forest has the characteristics necessary to support populations of Milne-Edward's sifakas. They are an important and charismatic member of native Malagasy forests. (Tattersall, 1982)

Milne-Edward's sifakas are endangered primarily because of habitat loss. Over the past thirty years the total wild population has decreased by more than 50%. It is predicted that the population will experience another 50% decrease over the next three years. Loss of habitat is due to logging, gold mining, and illegal rum production. Other human impacts include hunting, mostly in the northern part of their habitat. Hunting and deforestation are considered the most serious threats to Propithecus edwardsi populations. In an effort to help conserve the species there are a few national parks set aside in their range. There are reports of them living in some forests outside of these parks. There are no known captive populations. ("IUCN Redlist", 2008)