Types of Lemurs

Lemurs, Madagascar’s charismatic primates, are a window into evolutionary wonder. Found only on this island, they’re a diverse bunch, ranging from the tiny mouse lemur to the large indri.

Each species boasts unique traits: some dance on hind legs, while others, like the nocturnal aye-aye, tap trees to find food. These prosimians not only fascinate us with their quirky behaviors but also play vital roles in Madagascar’s ecosystems.

Sadly, they’re among the world’s most endangered mammals, largely due to habitat loss and hunting. Understanding and protecting them is crucial for preserving Madagascar’s rich biodiversity and the health of our planet.

Types of Lemurs

Explore all types of lemurs here.

Ahmanson’s Sportive Lemur

Species Name: Lepilemur ahmansonorum

Strictly nocturnal and primarily arboreal, Ahmanson's sportive lemurs move through the trees in long leaps, propelled by their powerful hind legs. Ahmanson's sportive lemurs are primarily solitary and defend their territory against invaders of the same sex.

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Berthe’s Mouse Lemur

Species Name: Microcebus berthae

Weighing just over an ounce, Berthe's mouse lemur is the world's smallest primate. Endemic to dwindling western Madagascar forests, this nocturnal insectivore faces grave threats from deforestation and predation despite recent habitat protections. Learn surprising facts about its characteristics, behavior, endangered status, and the conservation efforts crucial to saving this tiny species.

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Blue-Eyed Black Lemur

Species Name: Eulemur flavifrons

Discover the mysterious blue-eyed black lemur, a rare primate found only in the tropical forests of northwestern Madagascar. With striking blue eyes and mostly black fur, they are agile tree-dwellers feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects. Read about their lifestyle, endangered status, and the threats they face.

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Crowned Lemur

Species Name: Eulemur coronatus

Learn about the endangered crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus) - this medium-sized rainforest-dwelling primate from N. Madagascar has dense black & white fur and a distinctive orange arrowhead crown marking on its forehead.

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Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur

Species Name: Hapalemur griseus

The eastern lesser bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus) is a small, endangered rainforest primate found only in Madagascar. This unique species has adapted to specialize in a toxic bamboo diet other animals cannot consume. Yet habitat loss and hunting have left remaining populations highly vulnerable.

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Golden Bamboo Lemur

Species Name: Hapalemur aureus

Explore all about the magnificent yet critically endangered golden bamboo lemur of Madagascar. This unique primate depends almost entirely on giant bamboo for food and shelter. Read about their adaptations, ecology, reproduction, conservation efforts, and threats facing their fragile habitat.

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Goodman’s Mouse Lemur

Species Name: Microcebus lehilahytsara

Explore the world of Goodman's Mouse Lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara), a unique Madagascar primate, revealing its survival strategies, social behaviors, and conservation needs.

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Mongoose Lemur

Species Name: Eulemur mongoz

Learn about the endangered mongoose lemur (Eulemur mongoz), a small Madagascar primate with red beards and bushy tails. Get fascinating facts on their rainforest habits, unique behaviors, seed dispersal ecology, and major threats driving their worrying decline.

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Here is the full listing of all Lemur species sorted by their common names.