Ring tailed lemurs at the Tulsa Zoo

There are five genera in the Lemuridae family. This family of lemurs is characterized by soft, woolly fur which is generally a solid color, small ears, and an elongated face, except in the Hapalemur genus. All of these species are seasonal breeders, except the ring-tailed lemurs which can breed year round.

The most well-known of these genera are the ring-tailed lemurs. Male ring tailed lemurs have a relatively unique form of settling disputes- stink fights. The males stand facing eachother waving their tails, which they have rubbed against their strong smelling wrist glands. The male who can stand the stink the longest and does not retreat wins. Like the rest of the Lemuridae family, ring tailed lemurs are arboreal? but do spend some time on the ground.

Lemurs of the Eulemur genera are the most common of this family. Most species in Eulemur are sexually dichromatic? and some of them are cathermeral, active during parts of the day and night. Ruffed lemurs are the largest of this family and are known for their loud barks. Ruffed lemurs are the only lemurs known to regularly give birth to multiple offspring.

Ring tailed lemur at the Taronga Zoo in Australia.