Difference between revisions of "Lemur" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Taxobox | color = pink
 
{{Taxobox | color = pink
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| name = Lemurs<ref name=MSW>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=111-121}}</ref>
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| name = Lemurs
 
| image = Lemurs.jpg
 
| image = Lemurs.jpg
 
| image_width = 250px
 
| image_width = 250px
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| image_caption =[[Ring-tailed Lemur]]s (''Lemur catta'')
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| image_caption =[[Ring-tailed Lemur]]s ''(Lemur catta)''
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
 
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
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}}
 
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any of the prosimian primates (order primates, suborder Strepsirrhini, ) belonging to the infraorder....., comprising the Families Luri. (lemurs), Leip ().   The term also is used in a more restrictive sense to refer to the members of the family ........
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'''Lemur''' is the common name for any of the [[primate#Prosimians|prosimian]] [[primate]]s belonging to the infraorder '''Lemuriformes''', which comprises the families Lemuridae (lemurs), Lepilemuridae (sportive lemurs), Indriidae (woolly lemurs), and Cheirogaleidae (dwarf lemurs and mouse lemurs). The term also is used in a more restrictive sense to refer only to the members of the family Lemuridae.
  
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Lemurs are native to [[Madagascar]] and adjacent islands. They are characterized by relatively large [[eye]]s with a reflective layer over the retina; a tail, if present, that is not prehensile (adapted for grasping or holding) and is typically long; lower front teeth that are directed forward; a stout claw-like nail on the second toe; and a long slim muzzle with a naked tip.
  
 +
Lemurs, despite their very limited geographical distribution, are well-known worldwide, contributing to the wonder of nature with their unique behaviors and forms. They are popular attractions in the wild or in [[zoo]]s.
 +
{{toc}}
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The term "lemur" is derived from the [[Latin]] word ''[[lemures]],'' meaning "spirits of the night," or "ghost(s)" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes that many of the nocturnal lemur species have. The two so-called [[flying lemur]] species are not lemurs, nor are they even primates.
  
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==Overview==
  
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'''Lemurs''' make up the infraorder '''Lemuriformes''' and are members of a class of [[primate]]s known as [[prosimian]]s .  
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Lemurs belong to the biological order Primates. Primates are characterized by being anatomically unspecialized, with limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, refined five-digit hands and feet adapted for grasping and including opposable thumbs, comparatively flattened snouts, and prolonged pre- and postnatal development, among other features. Another distinguishing feature of primates is fingernails. All primates, even those that lack the features typical of other primates (like lorises), share eye orbit characteristics, such as a postorbital bar, that distinguish them from other taxonomic orders.
  
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==Description==
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The Primates order is divided informally into three main groupings: ''prosimians,'' ''monkeys of the New World,'' and ''monkeys and apes of the Old World.'' Lemurs are prosimians. Prosimians are generally considered the most primitive extant (living) primates, representing forms that were ancestral to [[monkey]]s and [[ape]]s. With the exception of the tarsiers, all of the prosimians are in the suborder ''Strepsirrhini.'' These include the lemurs, Aye-aye, and lorises. The tarsiers are placed in the suborder ''Haplorrhini'' (with the monkeys and apes). Within the Strepsirrhini there are different infraorders, one of which is the infraorder Lemuriformes, the lemurs.
  
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Add info on primates  — three basic types, characteristics of prosimians, then characteristics of lemurs
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The term lemur is generically used for the members of the four lemuriform families: Cheirogaleidae, Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, and Indriidae. The first comprises the subfamily Cheirogaleoidea and the latter three comprise the suborder Lemuroidea. However, lemur also is the [[genus]] of one of the lemuriform species, the [[ring-tailed Lemur]] ''(Lemur catta).''
  
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==Description==
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Lemurs are endemic (found naturally) only on the island of [[Madagascar]] and some smaller surrounding islands, including the [[Comoros]] (where it is likely they were introduced by humans). Fossil evidence indicates that they made their way across the ocean after Madagascar broke away from the continent of Africa (Glander 2006).
  
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This type of primate was considered the evolutionary predecessor of [[simian]]s: monkeys and apes, however this classification is not phylogenetically 'valid'.  Three of the four [[prosimian]]s are in the suborder [[Strepsirrhini]], which is not the same suborder as monkeys and apes, suborder [[Haplorrhini]]. The term "lemur" is derived from the [[Latin]] word ''[[lemures]]'', meaning "spirits of the night," or "ghost(s)" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes which many of the nocturnal lemur species have. The term is generically used for the members of the four lemuriform families, but it is also the genus of one of the lemuriform species, the [[Ring-tailed Lemur]] (''Lemur catta''). The two so-called [[flying lemur]] species are not lemurs, nor are they even primates.  
+
While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by [[monkey]]s, [[ape]]s, and other primates, the lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. These range in size from the tiny 30 gram (1 oz) [[pygmy mouse lemur]] to the 10 kilogram (22 lb) [[indri]]. The larger species, some of which weighed up to 240 kilograms (Strier 2000), have all become extinct since humans settled on Madagascar, and since the early twentieth century the largest lemurs reach about seven kilograms (15 lbs). Typically, the smaller lemurs are active at night ([[nocturnal]]), while the larger ones are active during the day ([[diurnal animal|diurnal]]).
  
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==Biology==
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There are around 85 living lemur species (Mittermeier et al. 2006; Andriaholinirina et al. 2006; Louis et al. 2006; Olivieria et al. 2006), and more currently awaiting publication.  
−
Lemurs are [[endemic (ecology)|found naturally]] only on the island of [[Madagascar]] and some smaller surrounding islands, including the [[Comoros]] (where it is likely they were introduced by humans). Fossil evidence indicates that they made their way across the ocean after Madagascar broke away from the continent of Africa.<ref>{{cite web | title="What's A Lemur?"| url=http://www.pbs.org/edens/madagascar/creature2.htm| accessdate=2006-04-19}}</ref> While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by monkeys, apes, and other primates, the lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. These range in size from the tiny 30 gram (1 oz) [[Pygmy Mouse Lemur]] to the 10 kilogram (22 lb) [[Indri]]. The larger species some of which weighed up to 240 kg<ref name=Strier>{{cite book | author = Strier, Karen B. | title = Primate Behavioral Ecology | publisher = Allyn and Bacon | location = Boston | year = 2000 | pages = 49}}</ref> have all become extinct since humans settled on Madagascar, and since the early 20th century the largest lemurs reach about 7 kilograms (15 lbs). Typically, the smaller lemurs are active at night ([[nocturnal]]), while the larger ones are active during the day ([[diurnal animal|diurnal]]).
 
  
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The small [[cheirogaleoid]]s are generally [[omnivore]]s, eating a variety of fruits, flowers and leaves (and sometimes nectar) as well as insects, spiders and small [[vertebrate]]s. The remainder of the lemurs, the [[lemuroid]]s are primarily [[herbivore]]s, although some species supplement their diet with insects.
+
The small [[cheirogaleoid]]s (superfamily Cheirogaleoidea, family Cheirogaleidae) are generally [[omnivore]]s, eating a variety of [[fruit]]s, [[flower]]s, and [[leaf|leaves]] (and sometimes nectar) as well as [[insect]]s, [[spider]]s, and small [[vertebrate]]s. The remainder of the lemurs, the [[lemuroid]]s (superfamily Lemuroidea) are primarily [[herbivore]]s, although some species supplement their diet with insects.
  
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Lemurs have opposable thumbs and long grasping toes, but their tails are not prehensile. Lemurs have nails rather than claws. All lemur species have a tapetum, the reflective layer over the retina.<ref name=Strier/> Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision.<ref name=Strier/> <!-- need a more recent studies to confirm  this information —> Lemurs depend quite heavily on the sense of smell and have large nasal cavities and moist noses.<ref name=Strier/>
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Lemurs have opposable thumbs and long grasping toes, but their tails are not prehensile. In many the tail is very long, comparable to the size of their bodies. The ''Indri indri'' lacks a tail. Lemurs have nails rather than claws on their fingers and toes; these nails are flat with the exception of the stout, clawlike nail on the second toes of the feet. All lemur species have a tapetum, the reflective layer over the retina (Strier 2000). The lower front teeth are directed forward and their pointed muzzle has a naked tip.  
  
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Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a [[Matriarchy|Matriarchal]] society (i.e. females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the Ring-Tailed Lemur (''Lemur catta'') which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.
+
Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision (Strier). Lemurs depend quite heavily on the sense of smell and have large nasal cavities and moist noses (Strier).  
  
 +
Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a [[Matriarchy|Matriarchal]] society (i.e. females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the ring-tailed lemur ''(Lemur catta),'' which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.
  
 
===Endangered species===
 
===Endangered species===
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All lemurs are [[endangered species]] or [[threatened species]], many species became already extinct in the last centuries, due mainly to habitat destruction ([[deforestation]]) and hunting. Although conservation efforts are under way, options are limited because of the lemurs' limited range and because of Madagascar's economic situation relative to the developed world. Currently, there are 85 living lemur species accounted for in current publications,<ref name=CI>{{cite book | author = Mittermeier, Russell A., Konstant, William R., Hawkins, Frank , Louis, Edward E., and Langrand, Olivier | year = 2006 | title = Lemurs of Madagascar | publisher = Conservation International | edition = 2nd edition | url = http://www.madagascar-library.com/r/544.html | accessdate = 2006-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author =  Andriaholinirina, N., Fausser, J., Roos, C., Rumpler, Y., ''et al''  | title = Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (''Lepilemur'', Primates) | date = 2006 February 23 | journal = BMC Evolutionary Biology | volume = 6 | pages= 17 | id = {{DOI|10.1186/1471-2148-6-17}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Edward E. Louis, Jr., Shannon E. Engberg, Runhua Lei, Huimin Geng, Julie A. Sommer, Richard Randriamampionona, Jean C. Randriamanana, John R. Zaonarivelo, Rambinintsoa Andriantompohavana, Gisele Randria, Prosper, Boromé Ramaromilanto, Gilbert Rakotoarisoa, Alejandro Rooney, and Rick A. Brenneman | year = 2006 | title = Molecular and morphological analyses of the sportive lemurs (Family Megaladapidae: Genus ''Lepilemur'') reveals 11 previously unrecognized species | journal = Texas Tech University Special Publications | issue = 49 | pages = 1-49 | url = http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/publications/opapers/specpubs/SP49.pdf | format = PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | author = Olivieria, G., Zimmermannb, E., Randrianambininab, B., Rassoloharijaonab, S., Rakotondravonyb, D., Guschanskia, K., Radespiela, U. | date = 2006-10-26 | title = The ever-increasing diversity in mouse lemurs: three new species in north and northwestern Madagascar | journal = Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | id = {{DOI | 10.1016/j.ympev.2006.10.026 }}}}</ref> with more currently awaiting publication. Indigenous superstitions that [[strepsirrhine]]s like the nocturnal [[Aye-aye]] are [[omen]]s and harbingers of bad fortune motivate some locals in remote areas to post hunting traps.
+
All lemurs are [[endangered species]] or [[threatened species]] and many species of lemur became extinct in recent centuries, due mainly to habitat destruction ([[deforestation]]) and hunting. Although conservation efforts are under way, options are limited because of the lemurs' limited range and because of Madagascar's economic situation relative to the developed world.  
  
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One of the foremost lemur research facilities is the [[Duke University Lemur Center]].
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Indigenous superstitions that [[strepsirrhine]]s, like the nocturnal [[aye-aye]], are [[omen]]s and harbingers of bad fortune motivate some locals in remote areas to post hunting traps.
  
 
==Classification==
 
==Classification==
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As shown here, the four families of lemurs are split into two superfamilies. The [[Cheirogaleidae]] have a pedal structure, similar to the other [[strepsirrhine]] families and the [[haplorrhine]]s, suggesting they split off from the other lemurs first. As such, the Cheirogaleoidea are a sister [[clade]] to the Lemuroidea.
 
As shown here, the four families of lemurs are split into two superfamilies. The [[Cheirogaleidae]] have a pedal structure, similar to the other [[strepsirrhine]] families and the [[haplorrhine]]s, suggesting they split off from the other lemurs first. As such, the Cheirogaleoidea are a sister [[clade]] to the Lemuroidea.
  
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* ORDER [[primate|PRIMATES]]<ref name=MSW/>
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* ORDER [[primate|PRIMATES]]
 
** Suborder [[Strepsirrhini]]: non-tarsier prosimians
 
** Suborder [[Strepsirrhini]]: non-tarsier prosimians
 
*** '''Infraorder Lemuriformes'''
 
*** '''Infraorder Lemuriformes'''
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*** Infraorder [[Lorisiformes]]: [[galago]]s (bushbabies) and [[loris]]es
 
*** Infraorder [[Lorisiformes]]: [[galago]]s (bushbabies) and [[loris]]es
 
** Suborder [[Haplorrhini]]: tarsiers, monkeys and apes
 
** Suborder [[Haplorrhini]]: tarsiers, monkeys and apes
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==In popular culture==
 
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Lemurs are not as commonly seen as other primates in pop culture settings, but they have recently gained in popularity due to greater exposure.
 
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*The novella ''[[Ghost of Chance]]'' by [[William S. Burroughs]], set in Madagascar, initially focuses on a character named Captain Mission, who looks after and cares for lemurs. The book is described on the back cover of the 1995 edition as being "an important story about environmental devastation."
 
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*A Ring-tailed Lemur starred in the 1997 movie ''[[Fierce Creatures]]'' written by [[John Cleese]].
 
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*[[Zoboomafoo]], an educational PBS Kids television program, features a [[Coquerel's Sifaka]] who is also the show's namesake.
 
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*The Disney film [[Dinosaur (film)|Dinosaur]] (2000) features [[sifaka]]s raising a dinosaur hatchling.
 
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*In the television program [[Fat Actress]], [[Kirstie Alley]] keeps a pet lemur who is never seen but referenced in conversations; a recurring gag involves the proper preparation of yams for its meals.
 
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*[[Madagascar (film)|Madagascar]], a computer-animated film produced by DreamWorks Animation in 2005, prominently features a group of singing and dancing lemurs.
 
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*[[The Katurran Odyssey]] book written by [[David Michael Wieger]] and created and illustrated by Star Wars creature designer [[Terryl Whitlatch]] has a ring-tailed lemur protagonist, and other lemur characters on his native island.
 
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* In the Nickelodeon animated series [[Avatar: The Last Airbender]], Aang keeps a winged lemur named Momo for a pet. Momo mostly resembles a [[Verreaux's Sifaka]].
 
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* In Cartoon Network's [[The Life and Times of Juniper Lee]], the titular character is transformed into a Ring-tailed Lemur in the episode, "The Great Escape."
 
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*The American rock group [[The Mars Volta]] used a lemur in their logos, and one is used as the principal character in the video for their single [[Televators]][http://video.aol.com/video/the-mars-volta-televators/1128022]
 
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*[[Lemurcon]] is a roughly annual late summer/early fall get-together of lemur enthusiasts at the Duke Lemur Center in North Carolina.  Very roughly, this can be traced to the [[Usenet]] [[alt.fan.lemur]] mailing list.
 
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
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Image:Bw_Ruffed_lemur.jpg|Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur
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Image:Bw_Ruffed_lemur.jpg|Black-and-white ruffed lemur
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Image:Red-ruffed_lemur.jpg|Red Ruffed Lemur
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Image:Red-ruffed_lemur.jpg|Red ruffed lemur
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image:Lemur walking.jpg|Ring-tailed Lemur
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image:Lemur walking.jpg|Ring-tailed lemur
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image:Lemur-ring-tailed.JPG|Ring-tailed Lemur from the Monkey Rainforest
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image:Lemur-ring-tailed.JPG|Ring-tailed lemur from the Monkey Rainforest
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image:Ruffed_lemur.JPG|Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur
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image:Ruffed_lemur.JPG|Black-and-white ruffed lemur
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Image:Brown_lemur.JPG|White-fronted Brown Lemur at Blackpool Zoo
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Image:Brown_lemur.JPG|White-fronted brown lemur at Blackpool Zoo
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Image:Ringtailedlemur.JPG|Ring-tailed Lemur at Marwell Zoological Park
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Image:Ringtailedlemur.JPG|Ring-tailed lemur at Marwell Zoological Park
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Image:Lemur AH.jpg|Ring-tailed Lemur at San Diego Wild Animal Park
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Image:Lemur AH.jpg|Ring-tailed lemur at San Diego Wild Animal Park
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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<references/>
 
  
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==External links==
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* Andriaholinirina, N., J. Fausser, C., Roos, Y. Rumpler, et al. 2006. "Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (''Lepilemur,'' Primates)." ''BMC Evolutionary Biology'' 6: 17.
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{{commons|Lemur}}
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{{Wikispecies|Lemuriformes|Lemur}}
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* Glander, K. 2006. [http://www.pbs.org/edens/madagascar/creature2.htm What's a lemur?]. ''PBS.'' Retrieved April 19, 2006.
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*[http://lemur.duke.edu/ Duke University Lemur Center]  Lots of photographs, information, and research programs.
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*[http://www.madagascar-library.com/c/Fauna/Madagascar/Mammals/Lemurs.html List of Books about Lemurs]
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* Louis, E. E., S. E. Engberg, R. Lei, H. Geng, J. A. Sommer, R. Randriamampionona, J. C. Randriamanana, J. R. Zaonarivelo, R. Andriantompohavana, G. Randria, Prosper, B. Ramaromilanto, G. Rakotoarisoa, A. Rooney, and R. A. Brenneman. 2006. [http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/publications/opapers/specpubs/SP49.pdf Molecular and morphological analyses of the sportive lemurs (Family Megaladapidae: Genus ''Lepilemur'') reveals 11 previously unrecognized species]. ''Texas Tech University Special Publications'' 49: 1-49. Retrieved August 18, 2007.
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*[http://www.bushhouse-madagascar.com/lemurs.html  Lemurs of the East Coast of Madagascar]
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*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4135670.stm  New lemurs found in Madagascar]
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* Mittermeier, R. A., W. R. Konstant, F. Hawkins, E. E. Louis, and O. Langrand. 2006. [http://www.madagascar-library.com/r/544.html ''Lemurs of Madagascar''], 2nd edition. Conservation International. Retrieved October 29, 2006.
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*[http://www.wildmadagascar.org/wildlife/lemurs.html Lemurs of Madagascar]
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*[http://www.palmarium.biz/lemuriens.html  Lemurs of The Palmarium reserve], about 10 different lemur species living in complete freedom!
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* Olivieria, G., E. Zimmermann, B. Randrianambininab, S. Rassoloharijaonab, D. Rakotondravonyb, K. Guschanskia, and U. Radespiela. 2006. [http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:17197200 The ever-increasing diversity in mouse lemurs: Three new species in north and northwestern Madagascar]. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' November 7, 2006. Retrieved August 18, 2007
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*[http://www.tc.umn.edu/~mart1152/ Read about Red-ruffed and White-fronted brown lemur research]
 
  
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* Strier, K. B. 2000. ''Primate Behavioral Ecology.'' Boston: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0205200192
  
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<!--languages—>
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==External links==
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All links retrieved October 25, 2022.
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*[http://lemur.duke.edu/ Duke University Lemur Center] Photographs, information, and research programs.
 +
*[http://www.madagascar-library.com/c/Fauna/Madagascar/Mammals/Lemurs.html Books about Lemurs].
 +
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4135670.stm  New lemurs found in Madagascar].
 +
*[http://www.wildmadagascar.org/wildlife/lemurs.html  Lemurs of Madagascar].
  
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[[Category:Life sciences]]
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[[Category:Life sciences]]{{credit|150878494}}
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[[Category:Animals]]
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[[Category:Mammals]]
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[[Category:Primates]]
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{{credit|150878494}}

Latest revision as of 19:36, 25 October 2022

Lemurs
Ring-tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)
Ring-tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Strepsirrhini
Infraorder: Lemuriformes
Gray, 1821
Superfamilies and Families
  • Cheirogaleoidea
    • Cheirogaleidae
  • Lemuroidea
    • Lemuridae
    • Lepilemuridae
    • Indriidae

Lemur is the common name for any of the prosimian primates belonging to the infraorder Lemuriformes, which comprises the families Lemuridae (lemurs), Lepilemuridae (sportive lemurs), Indriidae (woolly lemurs), and Cheirogaleidae (dwarf lemurs and mouse lemurs). The term also is used in a more restrictive sense to refer only to the members of the family Lemuridae.

Lemurs are native to Madagascar and adjacent islands. They are characterized by relatively large eyes with a reflective layer over the retina; a tail, if present, that is not prehensile (adapted for grasping or holding) and is typically long; lower front teeth that are directed forward; a stout claw-like nail on the second toe; and a long slim muzzle with a naked tip.

Lemurs, despite their very limited geographical distribution, are well-known worldwide, contributing to the wonder of nature with their unique behaviors and forms. They are popular attractions in the wild or in zoos.

The term "lemur" is derived from the Latin word lemures, meaning "spirits of the night," or "ghost(s)" and likely refers to the large, reflective eyes that many of the nocturnal lemur species have. The two so-called flying lemur species are not lemurs, nor are they even primates.

Overview

Lemurs belong to the biological order Primates. Primates are characterized by being anatomically unspecialized, with limbs capable of performing a variety of functions, refined five-digit hands and feet adapted for grasping and including opposable thumbs, comparatively flattened snouts, and prolonged pre- and postnatal development, among other features. Another distinguishing feature of primates is fingernails. All primates, even those that lack the features typical of other primates (like lorises), share eye orbit characteristics, such as a postorbital bar, that distinguish them from other taxonomic orders.

The Primates order is divided informally into three main groupings: prosimians, monkeys of the New World, and monkeys and apes of the Old World. Lemurs are prosimians. Prosimians are generally considered the most primitive extant (living) primates, representing forms that were ancestral to monkeys and apes. With the exception of the tarsiers, all of the prosimians are in the suborder Strepsirrhini. These include the lemurs, Aye-aye, and lorises. The tarsiers are placed in the suborder Haplorrhini (with the monkeys and apes). Within the Strepsirrhini there are different infraorders, one of which is the infraorder Lemuriformes, the lemurs.

The term lemur is generically used for the members of the four lemuriform families: Cheirogaleidae, Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, and Indriidae. The first comprises the subfamily Cheirogaleoidea and the latter three comprise the suborder Lemuroidea. However, lemur also is the genus of one of the lemuriform species, the ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta).

Description

Lemurs are endemic (found naturally) only on the island of Madagascar and some smaller surrounding islands, including the Comoros (where it is likely they were introduced by humans). Fossil evidence indicates that they made their way across the ocean after Madagascar broke away from the continent of Africa (Glander 2006).

While their ancestors were displaced in the rest of the world by monkeys, apes, and other primates, the lemurs were safe from competition on Madagascar and differentiated into a number of species. These range in size from the tiny 30 gram (1 oz) pygmy mouse lemur to the 10 kilogram (22 lb) indri. The larger species, some of which weighed up to 240 kilograms (Strier 2000), have all become extinct since humans settled on Madagascar, and since the early twentieth century the largest lemurs reach about seven kilograms (15 lbs). Typically, the smaller lemurs are active at night (nocturnal), while the larger ones are active during the day (diurnal).

There are around 85 living lemur species (Mittermeier et al. 2006; Andriaholinirina et al. 2006; Louis et al. 2006; Olivieria et al. 2006), and more currently awaiting publication.

The small cheirogaleoids (superfamily Cheirogaleoidea, family Cheirogaleidae) are generally omnivores, eating a variety of fruits, flowers, and leaves (and sometimes nectar) as well as insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. The remainder of the lemurs, the lemuroids (superfamily Lemuroidea) are primarily herbivores, although some species supplement their diet with insects.

Lemurs have opposable thumbs and long grasping toes, but their tails are not prehensile. In many the tail is very long, comparable to the size of their bodies. The Indri indri lacks a tail. Lemurs have nails rather than claws on their fingers and toes; these nails are flat with the exception of the stout, clawlike nail on the second toes of the feet. All lemur species have a tapetum, the reflective layer over the retina (Strier 2000). The lower front teeth are directed forward and their pointed muzzle has a naked tip.

Lemurs are thought to have limited color vision (Strier). Lemurs depend quite heavily on the sense of smell and have large nasal cavities and moist noses (Strier).

Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a Matriarchal society (i.e. females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.

Endangered species

All lemurs are endangered species or threatened species and many species of lemur became extinct in recent centuries, due mainly to habitat destruction (deforestation) and hunting. Although conservation efforts are under way, options are limited because of the lemurs' limited range and because of Madagascar's economic situation relative to the developed world.

Indigenous superstitions that strepsirrhines, like the nocturnal aye-aye, are omens and harbingers of bad fortune motivate some locals in remote areas to post hunting traps.

Classification

Thermographic image of a Ring-tailed Lemur in the morning sun.

As shown here, the four families of lemurs are split into two superfamilies. The Cheirogaleidae have a pedal structure, similar to the other strepsirrhine families and the haplorrhines, suggesting they split off from the other lemurs first. As such, the Cheirogaleoidea are a sister clade to the Lemuroidea.

  • ORDER PRIMATES
    • Suborder Strepsirrhini: non-tarsier prosimians
      • Infraorder Lemuriformes
        • Superfamily Cheirogaleoidea
          • Family Cheirogaleidae: dwarf and mouse lemurs
        • Superfamily Lemuroidea
          • Family Lemuridae: lemurs
          • Family Lepilemuridae: sportive lemurs
          • Family Indriidae: woolly lemurs, sifakas, and allies
      • Infraorder Chiromyiformes: Aye-aye
      • Infraorder Lorisiformes: galagos (bushbabies) and lorises
    • Suborder Haplorrhini: tarsiers, monkeys and apes

Gallery

  • Black-and-white ruffed lemur

  • Red ruffed lemur

  • Ring-tailed lemur

  • Ring-tailed lemur from the Monkey Rainforest

  • Black-and-white ruffed lemur

  • White-fronted brown lemur at Blackpool Zoo

  • Ring-tailed lemur at Marwell Zoological Park

  • Ring-tailed lemur at San Diego Wild Animal Park

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Andriaholinirina, N., J. Fausser, C., Roos, Y. Rumpler, et al. 2006. "Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (Lepilemur, Primates)." BMC Evolutionary Biology 6: 17.
  • Mittermeier, R. A., W. R. Konstant, F. Hawkins, E. E. Louis, and O. Langrand. 2006. Lemurs of Madagascar, 2nd edition. Conservation International. Retrieved October 29, 2006.
  • Strier, K. B. 2000. Primate Behavioral Ecology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0205200192

External links

All links retrieved October 25, 2022.

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