The Ring -tailed Lemur – An Icon of Madagascar

With its striking black-and-white striped tail, golden eyes, and curious personality, the Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) is one of Madagascar’s most recognizable animals.

Found mainly in the dry forests, scrublands, and rocky landscapes of southern Madagascar, these lemurs are highly social animals. They live in groups, often called troops, where females usually take the lead. Their long, ringed tails are not used for grasping branches like a monkey’s tail, but they play an important role in communication and help the lemurs maintain visual contact as they move through their habitat.

Ring-tailed lemurs spend time both in trees and on the ground, making them one of the more terrestrial lemur species. They feed mainly on fruits, leaves, flowers, and occasionally other plant material.

One of their most fascinating behaviours is “sunbathing.” On cool mornings, groups may sit upright with their arms spread wide, facing the sun to warm themselves.

The Ring-tailed Lemur is more than just a symbol of Madagascar’s wildlife. It is a remarkable example of the island’s unique evolution and biodiversity. Seeing a troop moving through the forest, tails held high, is an unforgettable Madagascar experience.

Come to Madagascar and discover these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.