Black lemurs are a medium-sized species of lemur. Their natural range is limited to a small area in north-western Madagascar and the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. The loss of their natural habitat due to slash-and-burn farming, as well as hunting, has led to a sharp decline in the population of this species over the years.
Black lemurs exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism. This means that males and females look different. Male black lemurs have an entirely black coat. Females, on the other hand, have yellow to rust-brown and white fur and have white ear tufts. Juveniles can vary greatly in coat colour. However, their sex can already be distinguished by the colour of their ear tufts.
Taxonomy
Lemuridae, Eulemur (12 species)
Behaviour and ecology
active both day and night, mainly in the middle to upper parts of trees
Social structure
in groups of up to 15 animals
