December 19, 2013 — Some visitors are surprised to learn that lemurs are LOUD. The “barking” of the red-ruffed lemur is a thunderous clamor – it’s incredible that one creature is capable of producing such a deafening noise! When it comes to volume, red-ruffed lemurs nearly top the charts for non-human primates. The lemurs use their booming capabilities to alert fellow group members when a predator is near, to warn competitors to stay away, and to communicate with other group members who may be foraging a considerable distance away. In today’s post, Duke student and Lemur Center volunteer Lauren Hagedorn shares a holiday poem inspired by the call of a lemur:
‘Twas a sleepy Friday in early December, when all through the Lemur Center,
Not a creature was stirring, except the technicians and new volunteer go-getter.
The lemurs were resting all snug in their comfy little spaces,
With freshly-chopped veggies and coconut pieces tucked in challenging places.
The slow lorises were nestled all snug in their favorite bag beds,
While visions of meal worms danced in their heads.
And volunteer Tim in his scrubs, and I with my broom,
Had just settled in to sweep and clean the Miaro kitchen room.
When down the hall of E-Wing, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my post to see what was the matter.
Away down the hall I flew like a flash,
Past the blue-eyed lemurs, I raced in a dash.
Skidding to a stop in front of the central enclosure,
I tried not to gawk and instead maintain my composure.
When, what to my wondering eyes should I see,
But two red-ruffed lemurs vocalizing super loudly!!
Still in doubt of their outrageous vocal power? Check out this video, and hear for yourself!
Lauren Hagedorn, a lemur-loving freshman at Duke University interested in pursuing animal cognition and behavior, photography, and documentary studies, is absolutely ecstatic to volunteer at the Lemur Center – it’s a dream come true!
