The black-and-white ruffed lemur (or Varecia variegata) is a species of primate native to the eastern rainforests of Madagascar. As the name implies, its coat is made up of distinct black and white patches: the underside, head, paws and tail are black, while limbs, back and the distinctive ruff are white. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are 50cm to 55cm long, with a tail of around 60cm length. Like in other lemurs, females are slightly larger than males.
Latin Name
Varecia variegata
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black-and-white-ruffed-lemur
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Animal Facts
Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are important to the ecosystem as pollinators: When feeding on nectar, pollen sticks to their dense ruff and face, which they will then carry on to other plants.
A group of black-and-white ruffed lemurs is called a ‘conspiracy’.
Despite their comparatively small size, black-and-white ruffed lemurs have the second loudest call of all primates.
Black-and-white ruffed lemurs have scent glands on their wrists, which they will rub on trees to mark their territories.
Black-and-white ruffed lemurs are generally found high up in trees, foraging in the upper canopies up to 35m high.