Ringtailed

Ringtailed is a common name used for animals that have tails with distinctive rings or banding. The term is most often applied to two mammal species, the ring-tailed lemur of Madagascar and the ring-tailed cat native to the Americas. It is not a formal taxonomic designation but a descriptive label used in field observations and popular writing.

The ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a medium-sized primate endemic to Madagascar. It features a long, bushy tail with alternating black and white rings, which it waves in the air during group movements and social signaling. Ring-tailed lemurs inhabit a range of habitats from dry deciduous forests to scrublands and are primarily terrestrial. They live in social groups called troops and are omnivorous, feeding on fruit, leaves, sap, flowers, and occasional invertebrates or small vertebrates. Reproduction is seasonal, with births typically occurring after a gestation of about 4.5 months. The species faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade, and it is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

The ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus) is a small procyonid found from the southwestern United States to parts of Mexico. It has a slender body and a long, ringed tail used for balance and signaling. Ring-tailed cats are primarily nocturnal and agile climbers, dwelling in rocky canyons, brush, and arid regions. They are opportunistic omnivores, consuming small vertebrates, insects, fruits, and seeds. They tend to be solitary or live in small family units. While not as threatened as the lemur, regional declines can occur due to habitat modification and range fragmentation.