Avahi cleesei

primate

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July 17, 2026

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Avahi cleesei is a species of long-legged, arboreal lemur native to Madagascar. This primate, belonging to the genus Avahi, is part of the leaping lemur family, Indridae, making it closely related to sifakas and indris.1

Avahis are characterized by their short arms, short muzzles, and round heads with small ears concealed by woolly fur. They are nocturnal and primarily vegetarian, living in small family groups consisting of a male, a female, and their offspring.1

Avahi cleesei was scientifically described in 2005 and is named after the comedian John Cleese, who is also a conservation supporter. This species, along with two other western species of avahi, inhabits the dry forests of western Madagascar. These western species are smaller than their eastern counterparts and have lighter gray fur with cream-colored undersides. Unfortunately, Avahi cleesei and other western avahis have very limited distributions and are considered endangered.1

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avahi
…in 2005 and was named A. cleesei after the British comedian and conservation supporter John Cleese. These three western species all have very small distributions and are in danger of extinction. Avahis are related to sifakas and the indri; all are primates of the leaping lemur family, Indridae.
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…in 2005 and was named A. cleesei after the British comedian and conservation supporter John Cleese. These three western species all have very small distributions and are in danger of extinction. Avahis are related to sifakas and the indri; all are primates of the leaping lemur family, Indridae.
Read More