Get Do Ruffed Lemurs Form A Hybrid Zone? : Distribution And Discovery Of ... - Digitallibrary Amnh

Red ruffed lemurs are restricted to the northeastern part of Madagascar; they can be found in the forests of the Masoala Peninsula near Maroantsetra. They also have been spotted to the east of the Antainambalana River, which divides their range from the range of black and white-ruffed lemurs.

Interesting Facts. Red Ruffed Lemurs are one of the largest primates in Madagascar. The females are usually heavier than the males. They live in matriarchal groups led by a dominant female with up to 16 members.

As with most lemur species, black and white ruffed lemurs are matriarchal.

Unlike other primates, such as monkeys, apes and humans, prosimians usually have large ears, a pointed snout and a long tail. A few other characteristics set them apart, too. Prosimians rely heavily on scent for communicating with others within and outside their social groups.

Ruffed lemurs live in multi-male/multi-female groups and have a complex and flexible social structure, described as fission-fusion. They are highly vocal and have loud, raucous calls.

Because intrasexual selection in mammals is more intense among males, they typically dominate females. Female social dominance is therefore unexpected and, indeed, rare. Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) are sexually monomorphic primates in which all adult females dominate all males.

Lemurs are the most endangered group of mammals. In fact, 98% of lemur species are threatened with extinction, and 31% of species are critically endangered!

The majority of lemur species are female-dominant, and it's not just the queen who calls the shots. Liesl's privilege extends down her matriline, meaning her daughters also enjoy the ability to pull rank on all male relatives. Even female infants outrank Liesl's beleaguered mate Aracus.