
Lemuroidea is a superfamily of primates. Members of this superfamily are called lemuroids, or lemurs. Lemuroidea is one of two superfamilies that form the suborder Strepsirrhini, itself one of two suborders in the order Primates. They are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar, primarily in forests but with some species also in savannas, shrublands, or wetlands. They range in size from the Margot Marsh's mouse lemur, at 8 cm (3 in) plus a 11 cm (4 in) tail, to the indri, at 90 cm (35 in) plus a 6 cm (2 in) tail. Lemuroids primarily eat fruit, leaves, and insects. Most lemuroids do not have population estimates, but the ones that do range from 40 mature individuals to 5,000. Most lemuroid species are at risk of extinction, with 45 species categorized as endangered, and a further 32 species categorized as critically endangered.

The 107 extant species of Lemuroidea are divided into five families. Cheirogaleidae contains 41 dwarf, mouse, and fork-marked lemur species in five genera. Daubentoniidae contains a single species, the aye-aye. Indriidae contains nineteen woolly lemur and sifaka species in three genera. Lemuridae contains 21 ruffed, ring-tailed, bamboo, and other lemur species in five genera. Lepilemuridae contains 25 sportive lemur species in a single genus.
Dozens of extinct prehistoric lemuroid species have been discovered, though due to ongoing research and discoveries the exact number and categorization is not fixed. At least 17 species and eight genera are believed to have become extinct in the 2,000 years since humans first arrived in Madagascar. All known extinct species were large, ranging in weight from 10 to 200 kg (22 to 441 lb). The largest known subfossil lemur was Archaeoindris fontoynonti, a giant sloth lemur, which weighed more than a modern female gorilla. The extinction of the largest lemurs is often attributed to predation by humans and possibly habitat destruction. Since all extinct lemurs were not only large (and thus ideal prey species), but also slow-moving (and thus more vulnerable to human predation), their presumably slow-reproducing and low-density populations were least likely to survive the introduction of humans. Gradual changes in climate have also been blamed, and may have played a minor role; however since the largest lemurs also survived the climatic changes from previous ice ages and only disappeared following the arrival of humans, it is unlikely that climatic change was largely responsible.
| Conservation status | |
|---|---|
| EX | Extinct (0 species) |
| EW | Extinct in the wild (0 species) |
| CR | Critically endangered (32 species) |
| EN | Endangered (45 species) |
| VU | Vulnerable (24 species) |
| NT | Near threatened (1 species) |
| LC | Least concern (2 species) |
| Other categories | |
| DD | Data deficient (3 species) |
| NE | Not evaluated (0 species) |
The author citation for the species or genus is given after the scientific name; parentheses around the author citation indicate that this was not the original taxonomic placement. Conservation status codes listed follow the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Range maps are provided wherever possible; if a range map is not available, a description of the lemuroid's range is provided. Ranges are based on the IUCN Red List for that species unless otherwise noted.
The superfamily Lemuroidea consists of five extant families: Cheirogaleidae, Daubentoniidae, Indriidae, Lemuridae, and Lepilemuridae. Cheirogaleidae contains 41 species in five genera. Daubentoniidae contains a single species. Indriidae contains nineteen species in three genera. Lemuridae contains 21 species in five genera. Lepilemuridae contains 25 lemur species in a single genus. There are additionally three families which went extinct prior to modern record-keeping: Archaeolemuridae, Megaladapidae, and Palaeopropithecidae, as well as an extinct genus in Lemuridae.
Family Archaeolemuridae† (monkey lemurs)
Family Cheirogaleidae
Family Daubentoniidae
Family Indriidae
Family Lemuridae
Family Lepilemuridae
Family Megaladapidae† (koala lemurs)
Family Palaeopropithecidae† (sloth lemurs)
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| There are two competing lemur phylogenies, one by Horvath et al. (top) and one by Orlando et al. (bottom). |
The following classification is based on the taxonomy described by the reference work Mammal Species of the World (2005), with augmentation by generally accepted proposals made since using molecular phylogenetic analysis, as supported by both the IUCN and the American Society of Mammalogists.
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hairy-eared dwarf lemur | A. trichotis (Günther, 1875) |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 in) long, plus about 17 cm (7 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Nectar, fruit, gum, leaves, honey, and insects |
EN Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankarana dwarf lemur | C. shethi Frasier, Lei, McLain, Taylor, Bailey, Ginter, Nash, Randriamampionona, Groves, Mittermeier, & Louis Jr., 2016 |
Northern Madagascar | Size: 16–18 cm (6–7 in) long, plus about 18 cm (7 in) tail Habitat: Forest and shrubland Diet: Fruit |
EN Unknown |
| Fat-tailed dwarf lemur | C. medius Geoffroy, 1812 |
Southern, western, and northern Madagascar |
Size: 20–23 cm (8–9 in) long, plus 20–27 cm (8–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, seeds, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates |
VU Unknown |
| Furry-eared dwarf lemur | C. crossleyi Grandidier, 1870 |
Scattered eastern Madagascar |
Size: 22–26 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 21–27 cm (8–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Nectar, fruit, leaves, and insects |
VU Unknown |
| Greater dwarf lemur | C. major Geoffroy, 1812 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 16–27 cm (6–11 in) long, plus 19–31 cm (7–12 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, flowers, and nectar, as well as insects, small vertebrates, and honey |
VU Unknown |
| Groves' dwarf lemur | C. grovesi McLain, Lei, Frasier, Taylor, Bailey, Robertson, Nash, Randriamanana, Mittermeier, & Louis Jr., 2017 |
Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 16–24 cm (6–9 in) long, plus 27–31 cm (11–12 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
DD Unknown |
| Lavasoa dwarf lemur | C. lavasoensis Thiele, Razafimahatratra, & Hapke, 2013 |
Southern Madagascar | Size: 50–55 cm (20–22 in) long, including tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
EN Unknown |
| Lesser iron-gray dwarf lemur | C. minusculus Groves, 2000 |
Central Madagascar |
Size: Unknown Habitat: Forest Diet: Unknown |
DD Unknown |
| Montagne d'Ambre dwarf lemur | C. andysabini Lei, McLain, Frasier, Taylor, Bailey, Engberg, Ginter, Nash, Randriamampionona, Groves, Mittermeier, & Louis Jr., 2015 |
Northern Madagascar | Size: 16–18 cm (6–7 in) long, plus 26–27 cm (10–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
EN Unknown |
| Sibree's dwarf lemur | C. sibreei Forsyth Major, 1896 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: Unknown Habitat: Forest Diet: Unknown |
CR Unknown |
| Thomas' dwarf lemur | C. thomasi (Forsyth Major, 1894) |
Southeastern Madagascar | Size: Unknown Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anosy mouse lemur | M. tanosi Rasoloarison, Weisrock, Yoder, Rakotondravony, & Kappeler, 2013 |
Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 10–16 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 11–15 cm (4–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and insects |
EN Unknown |
| Arnhold's mouse lemur | M. arnholdi Louis, Engberg, McGuire, McCormick, Randriamampionona, Ranaivoarisoa, Bailey, Mittermeier, & Lei, 2008 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 9–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 10–14 cm (4–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
VU Unknown |
| Bemanasy mouse lemur | M. manitatra Hotaling, Foley, Lawrence, Bocanegra, Blanco, Rasoloarison, Kappeler, Barrett, Yoder, & Weisrock, 2016 |
Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 12–13 cm (5 in) long, plus about 15 cm (6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
CR Unknown |
| Bongolava mouse lemur | M. bongolavensis Olivieri, Zimmermann, Randrianambinina, Rasoloharijaona, Rakotondravony, Guschanski, & Radespiel, 2007 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–17 cm (6–7 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Brown mouse lemur | M. rufus Geoffroy, 1834 |
Southeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 13 cm (5 in) long, plus about 12 cm (5 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as insects, leaves, flowers, gum, nectar, and pollen |
VU Unknown |
| Claire's mouse lemur | M. mamiratra Andriantompohavana, Zaonarivelo, Engberg, Randriamampionona, McGuire, Shore, Rakotonomenjanahary, Brenneman, & Louis Jr., 2006 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–17 cm (6–7 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Danfoss's mouse lemur | M. danfossi Olivieri, Zimmermann, Randrianambinina, Rasoloharijaona, Rakotondravony, Guschanski, & Radespiel, 2007 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 15–17 cm (6–7 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
VU Unknown |
| Ganzhorn's mouse lemur | M. ganzhorni Hotaling, Foley, Lawrence, Bocanegra, Blanco, Rasoloarison, Kappeler, Barrett, Yoder, & Weisrock, 2016 |
Southeastern Madagascar | Size: Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and insects |
EN Unknown |
| Gerp's mouse lemur | M. gerpi Radespiel, Ratsimbazafy, Rasoloharijaona, Raveloson, Andriaholinirina, Rakotondravony, Randrianarison, & Randrianambinina, 2012 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus about 15 cm (6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
CR Unknown |
| Golden-brown mouse lemur | M. ravelobensis Zimmermann, Cepok, Rakotoarison, Zietemann, & Radespiel, 1998 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 12–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 14–18 cm (6–7 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Gum, insect excretions, nectar, fruit, leaves, and animal matter |
VU Unknown |
| Goodman's mouse lemur | M. lehilahytsara Roos & Kappeler, 2005 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 11–12 cm (4–5 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and insects |
NT Unknown |
| Gray mouse lemur | M. murinus (J. F. Miller, 1777) |
Western and southern Madagascar |
Size: 12–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest and shrubland Diet: Insects, as well as small reptiles, plants, leaves, fruit, and flowers |
LC Unknown |
| Jolly's mouse lemur | M. jollyae Louis, Coles, Andriantompohavana, Sommer, Engberg, Zaonarivelo, Mayor, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 12–13 cm (5 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit |
EN Unknown |
| MacArthur's mouse lemur | M. macarthurii Radespiel, Olivieri, Rasolofoson, Rakotondratsimba, Rakotonirainy, Rasoloharijaona, Randrianambinina, Ratsimbazafy, Ratelolahy, Randriamboavonjy, Rasolofoharivelo, Craul, Rakotozafy, & Randrianarison, 2008 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Madame Berthe's mouse lemur | M. berthae Rasoloarison, Goodman, & Ganzhorn, 2000 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: 9–11 cm (4 in) long, plus 12–14 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Honeydew, as well as gum, flowers, fruit, arthropods, and small vertebrates |
CR Unknown |
| Margot Marsh's mouse lemur | M. margotmarshae Louis, Engberg, McGuire, McCormick, Randriamampionona, Ranaivoarisoa, Bailey, Mittermeier, & Lei, 2008 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 8–13 cm (3–5 in) long, plus 11–16 cm (4–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Marohita mouse lemur | M. marohita Rasoloarison, Weisrock, Yoder, Rakotondravony, & Kappeler, 2013 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 13–15 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
CR Unknown |
| Jonah's mouse lemur | M. jonahi Schüssler, Blanco, Salmona, Poelstra, Andriambeloson, Miller, Randrianambinina, Rasolofoson, Mantilla-Contreras, Chikhi, Louis, Yoder, & Radespiel, 2020 |
Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 12–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 12–14 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and insects |
EN Unknown |
| Northern rufous mouse lemur | M. tavaratra (Rasoloarison, Goodman, & Ganzhorn, 2000) |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–17 cm (6–7 in) tail Habitat: Forest and shrubland Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
VU Unknown |
| Nosy Boraha mouse lemur | M. boraha Hotaling, Foley, Lawrence, Bocanegra, Blanco, Rasoloarison, Kappeler, Barrett, Yoder, & Weisrock, 2016 |
Northeastern Madagascar | Size: Habitat: Unknown Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
DD Unknown |
| Pygmy mouse lemur | M. myoxinus Peters, 1852 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: 12–13 cm (5 in) long, plus 24–26 cm (9–10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, gums, and insects |
VU Unknown |
| Reddish-gray mouse lemur | M. griseorufus Kollman, 1910 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 13–16 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest and shrubland Diet: Fruit and gum, as well as flowers and arthropods |
LC Unknown |
| Sambirano mouse lemur | M. sambiranensis Rasoloarison, Goodman, & Ganzhorn, 2000 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 11–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Simmons' mouse lemur | M. simmonsi Louis, Coles, Andriantompohavana, Sommer, Engberg, Zaonarivelo, Mayor, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 14–15 cm (6 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coquerel's giant mouse lemur | M. coquereli Grandidier, 1867 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: 23–27 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 31–32 cm (12–13 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, flowers, and invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates |
EN Unknown |
| Northern giant mouse lemur | M. zaza Kappeler & Roos, 2005 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 23–25 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 26–29 cm (10–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, insect secretions, and sap |
VU Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Mountain fork-marked lemur | P. electromontis Groves & Tattersall, 1991 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 22–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 28–37 cm (11–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
EN Unknown |
| Masoala fork-marked lemur | P. furcifer Blainville, 1839 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 22–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 28–37 cm (11–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Gum, as well as insects |
EN Unknown |
| Pale fork-marked lemur | P. pallescens Groves & Tattersall, 1991 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: 23–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 29–37 cm (11–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Sap and gum, as well as insects, insect secretions, fruit, flowers, and nectar |
EN Unknown |
| Pariente's fork-marked lemur | P. parienti Groves & Tattersall, 1991 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 22–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 28–37 cm (11–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Gum |
EN Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aye-aye | D. madagascariensis Gmelin, 1788 |
Western and eastern Madagascar |
Size: 36–44 cm (14–17 in) long, plus tail Habitat: Forest and shrubland Diet: Fruit, nuts, and sap |
EN Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bemaraha woolly lemur | A. cleesei Thalmann & Geissmann, 2005 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: 26–37 cm (10–15 in) long, plus 29–35 cm (11–14 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Buds and leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Betsileo woolly lemur | A. betsileo Andriantompohavana, Lei, Zaonarivelo, Engberg, Nalanirina, McGuire, Shore, Andrianasolo, Herrington, Brenneman, & Louis Jr., 2007 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 25–34 cm (10–13 in) long, plus 28–35 cm (11–14 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
EN Unknown |
| Eastern woolly lemur | A. laniger Gmelin, 1788 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 30–45 cm (12–18 in) long plus tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers and fruit |
VU Unknown |
| Moore's woolly lemur | A. mooreorum Lei, Engberg, Andriantompohavana, McGuire, Mittermeier, Zaonarivelo, Brenneman, & Louis Jr., 2008 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 28–34 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 29–38 cm (11–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Peyrieras's woolly lemur | A. peyrierasi Zaramody, Fausser, Roos, Zinner, Andriaholinirina, Rabarivola, Norscia, Tattersall, & Rumpler, 2006 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 26–32 cm (10–13 in) long, plus 28–35 cm (11–14 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers and fruit |
VU Unknown |
| Ramanantsoavana's woolly lemur | A. ramanantsoavani Zaramody, Fausser, Roos, Zinner, Andriaholinirina, Rabarivola, Norscia, Tattersall, & Rumpler, 2006 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 27–34 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 26–39 cm (10–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
VU Unknown |
| Sambirano woolly lemur | A. unicolor Thalmann & Geissmann, 2000 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 25–29 cm (10–11 in) long, plus 31–36 cm (12–14 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
CR Unknown |
| Southern woolly lemur | A. meridionalis Zaramody, Fausser, Roos, Zinner, Andriaholinirina, Rabarivola, Norscia, Tattersall, & Rumpler, 2006 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 29–33 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 29–38 cm (11–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Western woolly lemur | A. occidentalis Liburnau, 1898 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 25–29 cm (10–11 in) long, plus 31–37 cm (12–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
VU Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indri | I. indri (Gmelin, 1788) Two subspecies
|
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 60–90 cm (24–35 in) long, plus 5–6 cm (2 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, leaves, and flowers |
CR Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coquerel's sifaka | P. coquereli Grandidier, 1867 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 42–50 cm (17–20 in) long, plus 50–60 cm (20–24 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, seeds, flowers, fruit, and bark |
CR Unknown |
| Crowned sifaka | P. coronatus H. Milne-Edwards, 1871 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: About 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 56 cm (22 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Flowers and leaves, as well as fruit |
CR Unknown |
| Diademed sifaka | P. diadema Bennett, 1832 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 45–55 cm (18–22 in) long, plus 43–56 cm (17–22 in) Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, flowers, fruit, and shoots |
CR Unknown |
| Golden-crowned sifaka | P. tattersalli Simons, 1988 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: About 48 cm (19 in) long, plus about 39 cm (15 in) tail Habitat: Forest, savanna, and shrubland Diet: Seeds, fruit, leaves, and flowers, as well as bark |
CR 4,000–5,000 |
| Milne-Edwards's sifaka | P. edwardsi Grandidier, 1871 |
Southeastern Madagascar |
Size: 42–52 cm (17–20 in) long, plus 41–48 cm (16–19 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, seeds, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Perrier's sifaka | P. perrieri Lavauden, 1931 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: About 49 cm (19 in) long, plus tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, flowers, and fruit |
CR 125 |
| Silky sifaka | P. candidus Grandidier, 1871 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 48–54 cm (19–21 in) long, plus 45–51 cm (18–20 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, seeds, fruit, and flowers, as well as bark and soil |
CR 250 |
| Verreaux's sifaka | P. verreauxi Grandidier, 1867 |
Southwestern Madagascar |
Size: 45–55 cm (18–22 in) long, plus 43–56 cm (17–22 in) tail Habitat: Forest and shrubland Diet: Leaves, bark, and flowers, as well as fruit |
CR Unknown |
| Von der Decken's sifaka | P. deckenii Grandidier, 1867 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: About 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 45 cm (18 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black lemur | E. macaco (Linnaeus, 1766) |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, plus 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, nectar, leaves, bark, soil, and ants |
EN Unknown |
| Blue-eyed black lemur | E. flavifrons Gray, 1867 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 39–45 cm (15–18 in) long, plus 51–65 cm (20–26 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Collared brown lemur | E. collaris Geoffroy, 1817 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 39–40 cm (15–16 in) long, plus 50–55 cm (20–22 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, young leaves, and insects |
EN Unknown |
| Common brown lemur | E. fulvus Geoffroy, 1796 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 41–51 cm (16–20 in) long, plus 41–51 cm (16–20 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers, fruit, and bark |
VU Unknown |
| Crowned lemur | E. coronatus (Gray, 1842) |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: About 34 cm (13 in) long, plus about 45 cm (18 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Gray-headed lemur | E. cinereiceps Grandidier & A. Milne-Edwards, 1890 |
Southeastern Madagascar |
Size: 39–41 cm (15–16 in) long, plus 50–55 cm (20–22 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, leaves, nectar, fungi, and insects |
CR Unknown |
| Mongoose lemur | E. mongoz (Linnaeus, 1766) |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: About 35 cm (14 in) long, plus about 48 cm (19 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Flowers, pollen, fruit, and leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Red lemur | E. rufus (Audebert, 1799) |
Northwestern lemur |
Size: About 38 cm (15 in) long, plus 49–51 cm (19–20 in) Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, insects, and arthropods |
VU Unknown |
| Red-bellied lemur | E. rubriventer Geoffroy, 1850 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 36–42 cm (14–17 in) long, plus 46–54 cm (18–21 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Flowers, fruits and leaves, as well as invertebrates |
VU Unknown |
| Red-fronted lemur | E. rufifrons Bennett, 1833 |
Southwestern and southeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 30 cm (12 in) long, plus about 50 cm (20 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, leaves, buds, and flowers, as well as invertebrates |
VU Unknown |
| Sanford's brown lemur | E. sanfordi Archbold, 1932 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 38–40 cm (15–16 in) long, plus 50–55 cm (20–22 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, and invertebrates |
EN Unknown |
| White-headed lemur | E. albifrons Geoffroy, 1796 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 40 cm (16 in) long, plus about 50 cm (20 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and flowers |
VU Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern lesser bamboo lemur | H. griseus Link, 1795 |
Western and eastern Madagascar |
Size: 28–30 cm (11–12 in) long, plus 35–37 cm (14–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Bamboo, as well as grass, fruit, and leaves |
VU Unknown |
| Golden bamboo lemur | H. aureus Meier, Albignac, Peyriéras, Rumpler, & Wright, 1987 |
Southeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 34 cm (13 in) long, plus about 41 cm (16 in) tail Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands Diet: Bamboo, as well as grass, leaves, fruit, fungi, and soil |
CR 50–250 |
| Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur | H. alaotrensis Rumpler, 1975 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 40 cm (16 in) long, plus tail Habitat: Inland wetlands Diet: Marsh plants |
CR Unknown |
| Southern lesser bamboo lemur | H. meridionalis Warter, Randrianasolo, Dutrillaux, & Rumpler, 1987 |
Southeastern Madagascar |
Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 32–40 cm (13–16 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Grass, pith, stems, and leaves, as well as fruit |
VU Unknown |
| Western lesser bamboo lemur | H. occidentalis Rumpler, 1975 |
Size: 27–28 cm (11–11 in) long, plus 36–39 cm (14–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, bamboo, flowers, fungi, and soil |
VU Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-tailed lemur | L. catta Linnaeus, 1758 |
Southwestern Madagascar |
Size: 39–46 cm (15–18 in) long, plus 56–63 cm (22–25 in) tail Habitat: Forest, shrubland, rocky areas, and caves Diet: Omnivorous, including fruit, leaves, stems, flowers, sap, spiders, spider webs, chameleons, insects, small birds, and termite mounds |
EN Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater bamboo lemur | P. simus Gray, 1871 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long, plus 43–48 cm (17–19 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Bamboo shoots and pith, as well as flowers, leaves, soil, and fruit |
CR Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black-and-white ruffed lemur | V. variegata Kerr, 1792 Three subspecies
|
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: About 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 60–61 cm (24–24 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, and nectar |
CR Unknown |
| Red ruffed lemur | V. rubra (Geoffroy, 1812) |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 50 cm (20 in) long, plus about 60 cm (24 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit, nectar, and pollen, as well as leaves and seeds |
CR Unknown |
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEECL's sportive lemur | L. aeeclis Andriaholinirina, Fausser, Roos, Zinner, Thalmann, Rabarivola, Ravoarimanana, Ganzhorn, Meier, Hilgartner, Walter, Zaramody, Langer, Hahn, Zimmermann, Radespiel, Craul, Tomiuk, Tattersall, & Rumpler, 2017 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 28–33 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 24–26 cm (9–10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Ahmanson's sportive lemur | L. ahmansoni Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 23–25 cm (9–10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Ankarana sportive lemur | L. ankaranensis Rumpler, 1975 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus about 25 cm (10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves and fruit, as well as latex |
EN Unknown |
| Betsileo sportive lemur | L. betsileo Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus about 33 cm (13 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Daraina sportive lemur | L. milanoii Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 25–29 cm (10–11 in) long, plus 24–27 cm (9–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Fleurete's sportive lemur | L. fleuretae Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 28–37 cm (11–15 in) long, plus about 30 cm (12 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, fruit, and flowers |
EN Unknown |
| Gray-backed sportive lemur | L. dorsalis Gray, 1870 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 23–26 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 26–28 cm (10–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers, fruit, and bark |
EN Unknown |
| Grewcock's sportive lemur | L. grewcocki Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 29–33 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 26–30 cm (10–12 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
CR Unknown |
| Hawks' sportive lemur | L. tymerlachsoni Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 28–41 cm (11–16 in) long, plus 22–27 cm (9–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as fruit and bark |
CR Unknown |
| Holland's sportive lemur | L. hollandorum Ramaromilanto, Lei, Engberg, Johnson, Sitzmann, & Louis Jr., 2009 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Hubbard's sportive lemur | L. hubbardi Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Southwestern Madagascar |
Size: 28–34 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 23–25 cm (9–10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| James' sportive lemur | L. jamesi Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Southeastern Madagascar |
Size: 32–35 cm (13–14 in) long, plus 28–32 cm (11–13 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
CR Unknown |
| Milne-Edwards' sportive lemur | L. edwardsi Forsyth Major, 1894 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: 27–29 cm (11–11 in) long, plus 27–29 cm (11–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as seeds, flowers, and fruit |
EN Unknown |
| Northern sportive lemur | L. septentrionalis Rumpler & Albignac, 1975 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus 25 cm (10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers and fruit |
CR 40 |
| Otto's sportive lemur | L. otto Craul, Zimmermann, Rasoloharijaona, Randrianambinina, & Radespiel, 2007 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: Habitat: Forest Diet: |
EN Unknown |
| Petter's sportive lemur | L. petteri Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 27–29 cm (11–11 in) long, plus 22–25 cm (9–10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Randrianasolo's sportive lemur | L. randrianasoloi Andriaholinirina, Fausser, Roos, Zinner, Thalmann, Rabarivola, Ravoarimanana, Ganzhorn, Meier, Hilgartner, Walter, Zaramody, Langer, Hahn, Zimmermann, Radespiel, Craul, Tomiuk, Tattersall, & Rumpler, 2017 |
Western Madagascar |
Size: About 29 cm (11 in) long, plus about 28 cm (11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as pollen, seeds, fruit, flowers, and bark |
EN Unknown |
| Red-tailed sportive lemur | L. ruficaudatus Grandidier, 1867 |
Southwestern Madagascar |
Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus about 25 cm (10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Fruit and leaves |
CR Unknown |
| Sahamalaza sportive lemur | L. sahamalaza Andriaholinirina, Fausser, Roos, Zinner, Thalmann, Rabarivola, Ravoarimanana, Ganzhorn, Meier, Hilgartner, Walter, Zaramody, Langer, Hahn, Zimmermann, Radespiel, Craul, Tomiuk, Tattersall, & Rumpler, 2017 |
Northern Madagascar |
Size: About 26 cm (10 in) long, plus about 27 cm (11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, fruit, spiders, and insects |
CR Unknown |
| Scott's sportive lemur | L. scottorum Lei, Engberg, Andriantompohavana, McGuire, Mittermeier, Zaonarivelo, Brenneman, & Louis Jr., 2008 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 31–35 cm (12–14 in) long, plus 25–30 cm (10–12 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown |
| Seal's sportive lemur | L. seali Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Northeastern Madagascar |
Size: 32–38 cm (13–15 in) long, plus 24–38 cm (9–15 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: |
VU Unknown |
| Small-toothed sportive lemur | L. microdon Forsyth Major, 1894 |
Size: 27–32 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 28–32 cm (11–13 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN Unknown | |
| Weasel sportive lemur | L. mustelinus Geoffroy, 1851 |
Eastern Madagascar |
Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 22–29 cm (9–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves, as well as fruit, flowers, and bark |
VU Unknown |
| White-footed sportive lemur | L. leucopus Forsyth Major, 1894 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 24–26 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 21–26 cm (8–10 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves and vines, as well as flowers and fruit |
EN Unknown |
| Wright's sportive lemur | L. wrighti Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo, Andriantompohavana, Randria, Prosper, Ramaromilanto, Rakotoarisoa, Rooney, & Brenneman, 2006 |
Southern Madagascar |
Size: 31–38 cm (12–15 in) long, plus 23–28 cm (9–11 in) tail Habitat: Forest Diet: Leaves |
EN 2,000 |
All known extinct lemurs from Madagascar are known from recent, subfossil remains. Conditions for fossilization were not ideal on the island, so little is known about ancestral lemur populations. All known extinct lemurs are thought to have died out after the arrival of humans.