Ruffed Lemur
Tagged: animal, animals
Ruffed Lemur-Varecia variegate – The ruffed lemur is the largest of the true lemurs and is becoming so rare in the wild that its best hope for survival is now an intensive program of captive breeding and release. The ruffed lemur of Madagascar stands out among other lemurs because of its large size and distinctively patterned coat. The patterns and colors vary, but fall into two main subspecies: the red ruffed lemur and the black-and-white ruffed lemur. By far the most endangered is the red ruffed lemur, which only occurs in the far north of the species’ range. Trapping and shooting are widespread activities in the area, and the local forest is being destroyed at such a rate that the IUCN predicts that unless effective action is taken, the population will plummet by at least half in the next few years. The prospects for the black-and-white ruffed lemur are slightly brighter, although it is still a highly endangered animal. Its range is much larger than that of the red ruffed lemur, but the population is sparsely distributed. The black-and-white ruffed lemur occurs in several nature reserves, including the small island of Nosy Mangabe, where the species was introduced in the 1930s. Here the population density is much higher than elsewhere-over 30 animals per square mile (19 per sq. km). Even at these densities there are probably no more than 150 animals in total, and the population is regularly raided by poachers. Captive Breeding 
The ruffed lemur has shown that it will take very easily to captivity, but its adaptability has been a mixed blessing. On the one hand, collecting for the Malagasy pet trade has played a large part in the species’ decline. On the other, it means that there are large numbers living in the safety of zoos and conservation institutions around the world. Of the captive population, about 500 are black-and-white ruffed and 300 are red ruffed lemurs. Over 95 percent of the population in zoos and other institutions are captive born, and there is now an extensive international breeding program, coordinated by San Diego Zoo. One problem with captive breeding is keeping the gene pool as large as possible. Although interbreeding between subspecies is strongly discouraged, there are a small number of hybrids in existence.
Zoos cooperate by lending out animals for breeding so that the captive populations remain as genetically diverse as possible. A few ruffed lemurs were successfully released back into the wild in 1998 and 1999, and at least one captive-born female has raised a family since being released back into the wild. In years to come it is hoped that the captive-bred individuals will become the founders of stable new populations in specially protected areas of the species’ former range. Conservation Policies and Problems Before the successful reintroduction of captive-bred lemurs can take place there needs to be a significant improvement in the way that Malagasy conservation law is enforced. Although conservation policies are in place, it is not easy for the government to make a real commitment to them in a country where the population is so poor, and where many other social and economic issues take priority. There have been instances, for example, where Malagasy nature reserves have been given up in favor of commercial logging. In addition, poaching has been allowed to continue virtually unchecked in areas that are supposedly protected. The relatively recent development of ecotourism on Madagascar is now bringing money and trade to the island, showing both the government and local people that conservation can pay. A real change of attitude toward conservation of the island’s wildlife by the local population would give the ruffed lemur a fighting chance of survival. Ruffed lemur (variegated lemur) Varecia variegate
- Family: Lemuridae
- World population: Unknown, but probably fewer than 10,000
- Breeding: Between 2 and 6 young born after gestation of 3-3.5 months; weaned at 19 weeks; mature at 20 months; breeds before 36 months
- Related endangered species: Golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemuraureus); broad-nosed gentle lemur (H. simus); 5 other members of the Lemuridae family are classified as Vulnerable
- Habitat: Rain forest from sea level to 3,900 ft (1,200 m)
- Distribution: Eastern Madagascar
- Size: Length head/body: 20-24 in (51-60 cm); tail: 22-25 in (56-65 cm); females larger than males. Weight: 7-10 lb (3,2-4.5 kg)
- Form: Large lemur with thick, variable coat. Black-and-white and red forms both have a white ruff, or neck patch
- Diet: Fruit, leaves, seeds, and nectar; occasionally earth
RUFFED LEMUR The ruffed lemur has two distinct subspecies, the red rind (main picture) and black-and-white ruffed (inset). Even within the two subgroups the lemurs’ coat patterns are extremely variable, leading some zoologists to recommend that they are further divided into seven subspecies. 
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