MORPHOLOGY: The average body mass for adult males is around 3 kilograms, and for females it is around 2 kilograms. Like the true lemurs this species has a rhinarium and binocular vision. Has a long and bushy tail that has rings on it, that is used in visual displays. |
ECOLOGY: The main diet of the ring-tailed lemur consists of leaves, flowers, and insects. This is a semi-terrestrial species. The ring-tailed lemur is a diurnal species (Fleagle, 1988). Group sizes range from 5 to 22 individuals (Richard, 1985). LOCOMOTION: This species moves quadrupedally along the forest floor. |
OLFACTORY COMMUNICATION: As in all true lemurs, olfactory communication is important for the ring-tailed lemur. tail-flick: this is where secretions from the wrist glands are rubbed on the tail and flicked at an opponent. |
TACTILE COMMUNICATION: social grooming: This is where one individual grooms another for parasites with their grooming comb, which is the lower inscisors. This is used to reinforce social bonds between individuals and within the group. |