The red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) is one of two species in the genus Varecia, the ruffed lemurs; the other is the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Like all lemurs, it is native to Madagascar. It occurs only in the rainforests of Masoala, in the northeast of the island. [1]

What do red-ruffed lemurs look like, where they live, what they eat, how long they live, predators, conservation status, pictures, and much more.

The red ruffed lemur is critically endangered in Madagascar, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss, and fragmentation. Threats include slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy) and illegal logging and mining, as well as natural disasters like cyclones.

Red ruffed lemurs are the largest members of the two-genus family, Lemuridae. They weigh between 7.3-7.9 pounds (3.3-3.6 kg), and are around 21 inches (53 cm) long, along with a tail measuring 24 inches (60 cm).

The Red Ruffed Lemur, scientifically known as Varecia rubra, stands as one of the most impressive and captivating members of the lemur family. This remarkable primate finds its roots on the captivating island of Madagascar, which is nestled off the southeast coast of Africa.

One such animal is a critically endangered creature that looks like one of the Fireys from Labyrinth. But the Red Ruffed Lemur is as real as it gets, and in serious danger. It’s one of two species of ruffed lemur, which are wet-nosed primates. One of the biggest lemurs on the island is also one of the most threatened.

Considered one of the most beautiful of the lemurs, the red ruffed lemur has a soft, thick orange-red coat, a black head with a fox-like muzzle, and a ruff of reddish fur around the head. The belly, hands, feet, and long, bushy tail are all black while the nape of the neck may have a …

Oct 30, 2024 · The red-ruffed lemur has a distinctive bright white patch on the back of the neck. Artis Royal Zoo, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Image credit: © Kitty Terwolbeck from Flickr .

Oct 30, 2024 · Red-ruffed lemurs sunning. Sifakas (Propithecus coquereli) and the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) also engage in sun basking behaviors. ZOOM Erlebniswelt, Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Image credit: Mathias Appel at Flickr. Public domain.

Its bright orange or yellow eyes stand out against its dark face, making it one of the most beautiful lemur species. The red ruffed lemur has a long, bushy tail that helps it balance as it moves through the trees.