Lemuridae

Lemuridae is a family of strepsirrhine primates within the order Primates, endemic to Madagascar and nearby islands. The family comprises four living genera: Lemur, Hapalemur, Eulemur, and Varecia. Members range from small to medium in size and are primarily arboreal, though some species such as the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) spend substantial time on the ground. They share characteristic lemurid traits, including a toothcomb and a moist rhinarium.

Genera and representative species: The genus Lemur includes the ring-tailed lemur; Hapalemur contains the bamboo lemurs (e.g., gray bamboo lemur, Hapalemur griseus, and golden bamboo lemur, Hapalemur aureus); Eulemur comprises the true lemurs (including Eulemur fulvus, E. mongoz, E. rubriventer, and many others). The genus Varecia contains the ruffed lemurs, such as the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) and the red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra).

Ecology and behavior: Lemurids occupy a variety of Malagasy habitats from moist forests to dry deciduous forests and subtropical zones. Most are diurnal or cathemeral, foraging in the trees and sometimes on the ground. Diets are varied, including fruit, leaves, seeds, nectar, and in some species gum. Socially, group sizes and structure vary; several lemurids show female-dominant social organization, and vocal and scent-marking signals are important for spacing and mating.

Conservation: The conservation status of lemurids ranges from Least Concern to Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with several species facing significant declines due to habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and illegal trade. Protected areas and captive breeding programs contribute to conservation efforts, along with ongoing research into population genetics and ecology.