Varecia variegata
variegated lemur

Ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata, are found in the eastern rain forest of Madagascar. Two subspecies are recognized: V. v. variegata and V. v. rubra. The Antainambalana River geographically separates the two subspecies; V. v. rubra is found north of the river, and V. v. variegata is found south. The latter subspecies is also found on the island of Nosy Mangabe.

Ruffed lemurs are tree dwellers and are the most arboreal of the true lemurs (AZA, 1994). They inhabit the wet evergreen forest on the eastern coast of Madagascar (Black and White Ruffed Lemur, 1996).

Lemurs have long, soft fur and are famous for variation of color and pattern. In fact, many consider ruffed lemurs to be the most beautiful species in its family. At least five different coat patterns are found among these lemurs, including one in which an orangish-red color replaces almost all of the white coloration.

Black and white ruffed lemurs are among the largest of the true lemurs, with a head and body length of 51 to 60 cm and tail length of 56 to 65 cm (Nowak, 1987). Weights range from 3.2 to 4.5 kg. Females are larger than males (Black and White Ruffed Lemur, 1996).

The coat is long and soft, and color pattern may vary on different sides of the body (Nowak, 1987). In V. v. variegata, the coat is mostly black with large white areas on the head, back and limbs. The genus Varecia has a marking gland on the neck unlike Lemur, Eulemur, and Petterus (Nowak, 1987). In addition, other genera have only one pair of mammae, whereas Varecia has three pair.

Ruffed lemurs are thought to reach an average maximum age of 19 years.

There is some variability in the social behavior of V. variegata. Ruffed lemurs live in groups ranging from 2 to 5 individuals. These groups apparently represent mated pairs and their offspring. However, in some areas of Madagascar, groups of up to 16 individuals may be formed, although these break down into smaller subgroups during the cool wet season. These subgroups use different areas of the home range. Females seem to form the stable core of these larger groups.

Ruffed lemurs spend most of the day feeding, traveling, and resting high up in the forest canopy. They are the most active in the morning and late afternoon. When threatened, ruffed lemurs defend themselves and their territory with a nearly deafening call. Females defend a group's territory more often than males.

All primates show complex patterns of communication. In addition to their vocalizations, these animals use body postures and facial expressions to communicate. Tactile communication, in the form of grooming, play, and aggression, is also important. Members of both sexes are known to scent mark their territory.

Varecia variegata is the most frugivorous of the living lemurs, but it also feeds on leaves, seeds and nectar according to the season (Primate of the Week, 1996). They have also been known to eat soil at times (Black and White Ruffed Lemur, 1996).

Formal reports of predation upon ruffed lemurs are not available. However, likely predators include raptors, humans, and fossas.

As frugivores, these lemurs are likely to play some role in seed dispersal. To the extent that they serve as prey for other animals, they may also influence local food webs.

Ruffed lemurs are not known to have any adverse effects on humans.

Ruffed lemurs are both trapped and shot in Madagascar for the economic benefit of humans. Ruffed lemurs are often hunted for food, and they are also sold to humans as pets. Because they are such entertaining animals, these charismatic creatures, along with other lemur species, may bring ecotourists to Madagascar.

All lemurs are considered endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are listed as Appendix I under CITES (AZA, 1994). They are listed as endangered by IUCN. The main threats to the survival of ruffed lemurs are habitat destruction, hunting for meat and fur, and exportation (Black and White Ruffed Lemur,1996).

These lemurs breed well in captivity and have thus benefited from a long-term, organized and well-managed breeding program (Madagascar Fauna Group, 1996). There are now over 225 individuals held in more than 50 North American institutions. Individuals from these populations will be released into established natural reserves in Madagascar.

Education also plays an important role in the conservation of ruffed lemurs. The two zoos of Madagascar with ruffed lemur exhibits are developing educational programs to help the Malagasy people become more environmentally aware (AZA, 1994).

Although ruffed lemurs have previously been classified under the genus Lemur, due to the species' distinctive anatomical and behavioral characteristics, it is now placed in the genus Varecia.