Red-Bellied Lemur
Overview
The red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) is a medium sized lemur which is sexually dichromatic, but, like the mongoose lemur, in a more subtle way than showier species such as the blue-eyed lemur. Males have dark bellies, distinctive white patches under their eyes, and a very active scent gland on top of their heads, which gives...
Feeding
In the wild, these lemurs feed primarily on fruits, flowers and leaves in varying and seasonally changing proportions throughout the year. One study showed red-bellied lemurs utilizing 68 different plant species. Fruit appears to be the most important component of the diet, but one study reports that the lemurs also feed not only on leaves,...
Fact Sheet
Order: Primates; Suborder: Prosimii; Family: Lemuridae; Genus: Eulemur Species: rubriventer Related Species There are several species in the genus Eulemur , including red-bellied lemurs (Eulemur rubriventer), crowned lemurs (LINK) (Eulemur coronatus), the two subspecies of black lemur (Eulemur macaco), and the seven subspecies of brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus). Key Facts Adult Size : 4.4 –...
Reproduction
Red-bellied lemurs are seasonal breeders, with reproductive activity beginning in November and lasting through December in North America. Infants are generally born in North Carolina in March through April (September and October in Madagascar). Single infants are born following a 120-126 day gestation, occasionally twins may also occur, but this is rare. A typical adult...
Social Behavior
In the wild, red-bellied lemurs are found in family groups of two to six. Groups consist of an adult pair and their immature offspring. Studies in Ranomafana National Park in Eastern Madagascar have demonstrated that red-bellied home ranges in Madagascar average only around 20 hectares, quite small by typical large-bodied lemur standards. The entire home...
Habitat/Conservation
In the wild, red-bellied lemurs inhabit the high altitude rainforests of eastern Madagascar at very low concentrations. They are one of the rarest species in the genus Eulemur . At one time their range encompassed Madagascar’s entire eastern rainforest swath, but now they are found from the Tsaratanana Massif in the north to the Andringitra...
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