Feeding
A black and white ruffed lemur feeds on wild persimmon fruits. Click image for larger version.
For more information on feeding behavior, or any aspect of behavior, of the black and white ruffed lemur, please consult the information listed under red ruffed lemurs. There is little difference in the ecology or behavior between the two subspecies of Varecia.
The distribution of black and white ruffed lemurs at three sites at Ranomafana National Park in southeastern Madagascar is consistent with the hypothesis that this specialized frugivore is the most susceptible of the 12 sympatric lemur species found here to habitat disruption brought about by selective logging. Varecia is most abundant at the least disturbed sites and absent from the most intensively logged sites. Apparently, Varecia select large food trees of species that are preferentially logged. The current distribution of lemurs in Madagascar is highly affected by habitat destruction. It may be possible to use Varecia as an indicator to assess the degree of habitat disruption in a given area.