Where do lemurs live?

Lemurs are amazingly beautiful animals that belong to the contract of wet-nosed primates. There are more than 100 species of these animals. The species united in 5 families have common characteristic features and individual characteristics. It is about size, color, habits and lifestyle. Consider where the lemurs live.

In ancient Greek mythology, lemurs were called ghosts walking at night. Later, this name was assigned to small animals with massive eyes that caused horror among residents.

According to history, in ancient times, huge lemurs lived on the territory of the island state. The weight of which often reached two hundred kilograms. Today there are no such giants among lemurs.

Short-tailed Indri - representatives of the largest species. They grow up to 60 cm in length and weigh about 7 kg. Among these primates there are crumbs. Dwarf mouse lemurs grow up to 20 cm in length and weigh no more than 50 grams. Consider other features of these mammals.

• The lemur has a dense, elongated body and a small, rounded head with an elongated, pointed mouth. On the sides of the oral cavity are several pairs of vibrissae responsible for touch.
• Lemur has large, closely set, saucer-like eyes. The eyes are surrounded by a dark strip of wool, providing eye effect. Therefore, the expression of the animal, even in a calm state, is a cross between fear and surprise.
• The rows of teeth of the primate have a non-standard structure. The incisors located on the upper jaw are set wide. From below, the incisors are in close proximity to the fangs and have an inclination forward, providing the effect of a “tooth comb”.
• These mammals have five-finger grabbing limbs. There are nails on the fingers except for the second toe. It is equipped with a long claw used by the animal for hygiene purposes.
• All lemurs have a dense coat. In some species, it has a gray-brown color, in others it is black and white, in others it is red-brown. A special color is inherent in cat lemur. Wide black and white stripes cover its long, spiral tail.
• Fluffy, long, luxurious tail - a distinctive feature of the lemur, which plays an important role in life. With the help of the tail, animals communicate and maintain balance when jumping. Only in short-tailed indri, despite the impressive size of the body, the length of the tail does not exceed 5 cm.

I think that at this point you were convinced that this wonderful animal has a truly exotic appearance. It is not surprising that lemurs cause frenzied interest in mankind.

Habitat and habits of lemurs

In nature, lemurs are found in Madagascar and the Comoros. In ancient times, primates inhabited the islands completely, but over the years the area of ​​distribution has declined, and now they live exclusively in a wooded area. Today, many species are listed in the Red Book, so animals need protection and a sparing attitude on the part of humanity. Now about the lifestyle.

1. Most primates spend time on trees. Using the tail as a balancer, they quickly and deftly move from branch to branch. Lemurs rest on trees, bask in the sun and even breed. If the animal is on the ground, it still moves in leaps using 4 limbs.
2. They sleep on the branches, clasping the tree with feet and forelimbs. Some build shelters resembling a bird's hollow.During rest in such a dwelling one can find up to 15 sleeping individuals.
3. Almost all types of lemurs are public animals living on their territory. They live in family groups of up to 25 individuals, in which a strict hierarchy prevails. At the head of the team is a female. Endowed with power, it has several advantages regarding food and is the first to choose a partner with the onset of the mating season.
4. There are features in the process of reproduction. At a time, the female gives birth to one baby, who is born after 222 days from the moment of conception. During the first 2 months, a tenacious calf hangs on maternal hair. Later, the small primate makes independent attacks, and becomes completely independent at the age of six months.
5. The number of females and males in the pack is approximately equal. Young females after puberty remain in the maternal flock, and males often transfer to other families. Although lemurs belong to public animals, loners and couples living separately are often found.
6. The area belonging to one family often reaches 80 hectares. Members of the herd mark the boundaries of possessions with urine and secret, aggressively and stubbornly protecting from encroachment by strangers. The marking of the site lies on the shoulders of all members of the family. Primates make deep scratches with their claws on the bark of trees and mark the fragrant secretions of the glands.
7. Lemurs use grunting sounds or shrill screams to communicate. Some species with the onset of the dry period fall into cordon. Being in a state of low activity, the animal's body uses the accumulated fat.
8. Lemurs are considered centenarians. In the natural environment they live up to 35 years. At home, they often live longer if the owner provides the animal with proper care and proper nutrition.

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The behavior, as well as the lifestyle of lemurs, is fully consistent with their unique and interesting appearance. It is hard to believe that these amazing little animals scare to death the inhabitants of the islands on which they live.

How and what do lemurs eat

Lemur is a herbivorous primate. However, nutrition is largely dependent on the type of mammal. The main part of the diet is represented by fruits, tree leaves, flowers, young shoots, tree bark and seeds.

Bamboo and golden lemurs eat bamboo shoots and foliage, while cat lemur prefers the fruits of the Indian date. Indri feeds exclusively on plant foods, and insect larvae include insect larvae in addition to coconuts in the diet of arms from Madagascar. The most versatile diet of dwarf lemur. This animal eats plant pollen, tar, nectar, larvae and tiny insects with pleasure.

Food of animal origin in the diet of a lemur plays a secondary role. Most often, beetles, praying mantises, moths, crickets, cockroaches and spiders fall on the table. The gray mouse lemur diet also contains small chameleons and tree frogs. The dwarf species does not mind eating and small birds. It is noteworthy that representatives of the Indri species, in addition to plant foods, consume land, which neutralizes the effects of toxic substances contained in plants.

The lemur diet is not particularly nutritious, so individuals spend a lot of time on rest. If we talk about nutrition in the zoo, the animal quickly gets used to any food. The primate grabs food with his teeth or picks up with his forelimbs and sends him to the oral cavity.

Lemurs from the cartoon "Madagascar"

In 2005, the animated film "Madagascar" was released on a wide screen. The picture quickly gained popularity in the world. One of the main characters of the cartoon was a lemur named Julian.

It is noteworthy that the cat's lemur has exactly thirteen stripes on its tail. This is his calling card.

In nature, cat lemurs begin the day with a sunbath. They sit comfortably and warm the abdomen in the sun. Upon completion of the procedure, they go for breakfast. They eat fruits, leaves, flowers, cacti and insects.

In nature, lemurs of this species are common. Nevertheless, the threat of extinction loomed over the view. According to statistics, only 50,000 individuals live on the planet, so feline lemur was listed in the Red Book.

Feline Lemur has recently been a favorite of tourists visiting Madagascar.

Where do lemurs live in captivity

Many species of lemurs from Madagascar are endangered. This is the merit of mankind, which is actively destroying the natural habitats of these primates. More animals are actively caught for subsequent resale. This is due to the increasing popularity of breeding as a pet.

In many countries of the world, lemurs are bred in special nurseries, the living conditions in which are as close as possible to the natural environment. There are similar institutions in Russia, but there are few of them, because lemur breeding is an expensive and troublesome task, as well as penguin breeding.

Is it possible to contain lemur at home?

Lemurs are easily tamed. These small primates are obedient and do not show aggression, therefore they are so popular among breeders of exotic animals. To ensure that the animal is comfortable in the house or apartment, it is recommended to ensure proper conditions before purchasing a pet.

• To keep the lemur at home, you will need a spacious cage or a large terrarium. In the house does not hurt to establish tree branches or several artificial vines.
• The bottom of the house is recommended to fill up with dry sawdust. The filler will often have to be changed, because it will not work to accustom the primate to the tray, unlike a kitten. The lack of regular cleaning in the terrarium will lead to an unpleasant odor.
• In the lemur’s cloister, a small box with cotton or dry grass will not interfere. This place will serve as a bedroom for relaxation or a comfortable pastime. Need a small drinker.

Lemur has thick hair, but despite this, he does not like drafts. It is recommended to take this into account when choosing a place for arranging an exotic pet's monastery.

Lemurs are most active in the evening and at night, therefore it is better to feed the animal at this time. The diet should include various foods. We are talking about boiled beets and potatoes, white cabbage, lettuce, cucumbers and radishes, fruits, cereals, boiled meat and baked goods.

Lemurs also like sweets. Include nuts, honey, and dried fruits in your diet. Periodically pamper the animals with crickets, cockroaches or flour worms. Insects are sold at pet stores.

Lemurs fall into the category of non-conflict animals and easily get along with dogs and cats. With proper care, the pet will not break anything, gnaw or break. Problems can only appear with curtain rods and curtains - Lemurs like to climb higher and watch events from above.

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