ring-tailed lemur
Quick Summary
The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a primate native to Madagascar. It is characterized by its gray or brownish fur, white face with black markings, and a distinctive long tail with alternating black and white bands. Unlike many other lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs spend a significant amount of time on the ground rather than exclusively in trees.1
Lemurs, as a suborder of primates (Strepsirrhini), are generally found on Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. They typically have large eyes, foxlike faces, and long tails. While generally docile and social, lemurs are considered less intelligent than monkeys and have a stronger sense of smell but weaker vision. They are primarily omnivorous, with diets including fruits, leaves, insects, and small animals, though specific diets vary by species. The ring-tailed lemur is one of about 20 species within the family Lemuridae.23
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