Lemurs
Lemurs are most commonly found on the island of Madagascar and smaller islands that surround it. According to fossils, lemurs made their way across the ocean after the island of Madagascar was seperated from Africa. The lemurs that were left on Africa became apart of the primate family. However, the lemurs that were left on the island were safe from the surrounding competition and quickly formed many different types of their own species. Lemurs, depending on their species, can weigh as little as 1 oz. to as much as 15 lb.
Studies show that the smaller lemurs are nocturnal, but the larger ones prefer to wander around in the daytime. Lemurs perfer to ea a sampling of fruits, flowers, leaves, insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. Lemurs are unusual creatures because of their opposable thumbs and long toes, which they can use to hold onto things. Because lemurs have trouble determining the color of different things they rely heavily on their sense of smell. They have large nasal cavities and moist noses that aid in their smell.
Unlike most other primates, lemur species that live in groups have a Matriarchal society (females are dominant over males). Most lemur species are primarily arboreal and traverse the canopy by vertical clinging and leaping or quadrupedalism, with the notable exception of the Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) which spends a considerable amount of time moving about on the ground.
All lemurs are endangered species or threatened species, many species became already extinct in the last centuries, due mainly to habitat destruction (deforestation) and hunting. Although conservation efforts are under way, options are limited because of the lemurs’ limited range and because of Madagascar’s economic situation relative to the developed world. Currently, there are 85 living lemur species accounted for in current publications, with more currently awaiting publication. Indigenous superstitions that strepsirrhines like the nocturnal Aye-aye are omens and harbingers of bad fortune motivate some locals in remote areas to post hunting traps.