Varecia rubra (É. Geoffroy, 1812)

Scientific name:

Varecia rubra

Scientist name:

(É. Geoffroy, 1812)

Malagasy:

Varimena, Varignena, Varinaina (Makira region)

English:

Red Ruffed Lemur

German:

Roter Vari

Other english:

None

French:

Vari roux

Family:

LEMURIDAE Gray, 1821

Taxa:

Varecia

Species

Identification

Varecia rubra is a large quadrupedal lemur with a head-body length of 50–55 cm, a tail length of 60–65 cm, a total length of 100–120 cm, and a weight of 3.3–3.6 kg (Vasey, 2003). The dominant coat color is a deep chestnut-red (but sometimes also red-orange or honey-blonde) that covers much of the dorsal body surface, as well as the legs, throat, cheeks and ear tufts (Vasey, 1997a). The ventral coat is black, as are the tail, insides of the limbs, feet, face, muzzle, and top of the head. In addition, there is a white patch on the neck, and small lighter-colored patches may also be present on the heels, digits and muzzle. Variations in color pattern are well known in this species, but do not appear to have a clear geographic pattern. As with Varecia variegata, the red ruffed lemur is difficult to confuse with any other lemur. It is sympatric with the white-fronted brown lemur, Eulemur albifrons, but is larger, has the characteristic ear tufts, and lacks the striking white face. What is more, its raucous vocalizations are unmistakeable.

Natural history

Varecia rubra typically inhabits tropical moist lowland forest up to 1,200 m. It has been studied in the forests of Ambatonakolahy (Rigamonti, 1993) and Andranobe (Vasey, 1997a) on the Masoala Peninsula. It is diurnal, prefers tall forest, and is often observed in the crowns of large feeding trees. Population density has been variously estimated at 6 individuals/km2 (Rakotondratsima and Kremen, 2001), 21–23 individuals/km2 (Rigamonti, 1993), and 31–54 individuals/km2 (Vasey, 1997b). Ruffed lemurs move quadrupedally through the canopy most of the time, leaping occasionally. Suspensory postures are common during feeding bouts (Vasey, 1999). These are the most frugivorous of Madagascar’s primates, with as much as 75–90% of their diet consisting of fruit. Flowers, nectar, and leaves make up the balance. Females are reported to consume more low-fiber, high protein items (young leaves and flowers) prior to giving birth and during lactation, presumably to meet the higher energy demands of reproduction (Vasey, 2000a, 2002). At Andranobe, 132 different species from 36 plant families were eaten over the course of a year (Vasey, 2000b). Reproduction varies considerably between years (Rakotondratsima and Kremen, 2001; Vasey, 2007). The mating season is May–July, with births occurring from September through early November after a gestation period of about 102 days. In captivity, litters range from one to five infants, but are usually two or three, each newborn weighing just under 100 g (Brockman et al., 1987b; Schwitzer, 2003). In the wild, mean litter size of red ruffed lemurs is 2.11 (Vasey, 2007), while in captivity it is 2.22 (Rasmussen, 1985). Field observations indicate that this species is polygamous, and that multiple individuals participate in caring for the young (Vasey, 1997a, 2007). Social organization is described as fission/fusion; communities are usually multi-male/multi-female, and number 5–31 individuals. Home ranges cover 23–58 ha and appear to be defended (Rigamonti, 1993; Vasey, 2006). Scent-marking tends to take place during territorial battles and female greeting displays. This species’ vocal repertoire is extensive and is employed in numerous contexts. The most characteristic vocalization is the very loud and raucous call, which appears to be used in territorial encounters and for purposes of intragroup spacing (Vasey, 2003).

Geographic range

The red ruffed lemur has a very restricted range, inhabiting only the remaining primary forests of the Masoala Peninsula and the region immediately north of the Bay of Antongil in northeastern Madagascar (Petter and Petter-Rousseaux, 1979; Tattersall, 1982). It once may have occurred as far north as Antalaha, but this is uncertain (Tattersall, 1977a). The Antainambalana River appears to separate V. rubra from V. variegata subcincta, but the western limit of the red ruffed lemur’s range remains unclear. The confluence of the Vohimara and Antainambalana Rivers has been investigated as a possible contact or hybrid zone between these two forms, but results are inconclusive (Tattersall, 1982; Lindsay and Simons, 1986; Hekkala et al., 2007; Vasey and Tattersall, 2002).

Conservation status

The 2008 IUCN Red List assessment (2008) classified V. rubra as Endangered (EN). The principal threats are habitat loss and hunting (Simons and Lindsay, 1987; Rigamonti, 1996; Vasey, 1996, 1997b). Due to its large size and evident need for tall primary forest, it is particularly susceptible to human encroachment and, sadly, hunting of this unique and important species still takes place. Needless to say, a major effort is needed to eliminate hunting of this important flagship species. Furthermore, because remaining populations are concentrated on the Masoala Peninsula, the red ruffed lemur may be threatened by the frequent cyclones (hurricanes) that hit this part of Madagascar. It is protected only in the Masoala National Park (Kremen, 1998). Ironically, this species, with its very restricted range, was always considered more threatened than the more widely distributed black-and-white ruffed lemur. Whereas all three subspecies of V. variegata are now considered Critically Endangered, the most recent IUCN assessment places V. rubra in the Endangered category, in large part because of its presence in a major national park. However, this now needs to be reassessed. Masoala was the national park most impacted by the very rapid upsurge of illegal logging after the political events of early 2009, and this logging has continued well into 2010. It is highly likely that it is being accompanied by at least some hunting, which will almost certainly push V. rubra into the Critically Endangered category. As of 2009, there were 590 red ruffed lemurs reported in captivity worldwide (ISIS, 2009). Such populations in American and European zoos represent a safeguard against extinction, but they are unfortunately very limited their genetic diversity (Schwitzer, 2003).

Where to see it

The only place to see red ruffed lemurs is on the Masoala Peninsula. Boat trips can be arranged from Maraontsetra to Ambanizana, Lohatrozona or Tampolo where there are several rustic but comfortable lodges. A nice package trip is to spend one night on Nosy Mangabe, which is quite close to the Masoala Peninsula, and then do a day visit to the Masoala to any of the previously mentioned sites. This species is relatively easy to find due to its loud vocalizations, which can often be heard from far away.

Photographs

You are here

Species

Main menu

Primate watching

Configuration

You are here

Varecia rubra (É. Geoffroy, 1812)

Species

Main menu

Primate watching

Search form

Configuration