Lemuridae
Primates
Mammalia
90-102 days
3
They feed mainly on fruit, nectar and pollen. During the dry season, when food is scarce, they also feed on leaves, flowers and seeds.
18-20 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivity.
They are large lemurs, with a tail of about 60-65 cm. The dominant coat color is dark brown, with the ventral region, tail, snout and legs black. In addition, they have a white spot on the neck and, sometimes, small lighter areas on the heels, snout and digits. Females are slightly larger than males.
It is a mainly diurnal species and lives in social groups of 2 to 16 individuals where the female is the central nucleus. They are quite territorial animals, aggressively defending their space against other groups of red varis. On the other hand, they also mark their territory through urine. To communicate they use about 12 different vocalizations.
This lemur is threatened, and is considered at very high risk of extinction due to the loss of its habitat and hunting; as is the case with most of these Malagasy primates. Human settlements generate crop fields and grazing areas for livestock that destroy the natural habitat of lemurs.
The red varis have glands on their wrists, through which they release odors that leave their trail on the branches of the trees to mark their territory. In addition, their long tail helps them move through the trees. On the other hand, they have toenails that they use to groom themselves and the members of their group.
