lemuriforms

Lemuriformes is an infraorder of primates within the suborder Strepsirrhini. It includes the lemurs of Madagascar and nearby islands, as well as the aye-aye, and encompasses several extinct relatives. Members of this group share traits characteristic of strepsirrhines, such as a toothcomb for grooming and a grooming claw, along with other skull and dental features that distinguish them from higher primates.

The living lemuriformes are organized into several families, including Cheirogaleidae (mouse and dwarf lemurs), Lepilemuridae (sportive lemurs), Indriidae (indri, sifakas, and woolly lemurs), Lemuridae (true lemurs, including the ring-tailed lemur), and Daubentoniidae (aye-aye). The exact composition and relationships among these families have been refined by molecular studies. The group is highly endemic to Madagascar and surrounding islands, with a diversity of sizes, ecologies, and behaviors. Activity patterns range from nocturnal and cathemeral to diurnal among different species. Most species are arboreal and have diets that can include fruit, leaves, nectar, and insects, with some specializing on particular food resources.

Evolution and fossil records indicate that lemuriforms diverged from other strepsirrhines after Madagascar became isolated, leading to a remarkable diversification in isolation. The fossil record spans from the Eocene onward, illustrating a long history of adaptive radiation in Madagascar. Conservation status varies by species, but a large proportion of lemuriforms are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and environmental change. Protected areas and targeted conservation programs are central to efforts to preserve this unique primate lineage.