The black lemur presents strong sexual dimorphism. The males are completely black, while the females are blonde, with a dark face and white plumes.
It is considered to be highly adaptable and has been reported to have inhabited a wide variety of habitats including primary forest, secondary forest, agricultural forest mosaics and timber plantations.

This primate is active both during the day and at night, when the flowers whose nectar it feeds on open. Fruits make up the majority of the diet throughout the year, except when young leaves, seed pods, flowers and nectar become more important.

Studies conducted in the reserve suggest that the black lemur is an important palm pollinator.

Group size varies from two to 15 animals. The mating season occurs in late April and May, and females give birth to a single calf, usually between September and November.