Sifaka Lemur BC-284
$145.00

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The Sifaka is an endangered species endemic to Madagascar, home to dozens of lemur species. Some extinct species were possibly much larger than those alive today. The Sifaka is among the largest alive today, measuring up to 18 inches long, with an equally long tail, and weighing between 7 and 13 pounds. The fossil record shows that lemur-like primates first appeared about 60 million years ago in Africa and shortly made their way to Madagascar. Monkeys first appeared approximately 40 million years afterward and by that time Madagascar had floated too far away from the African mainland for them to make the trip. The lemurs, which evolved in isolation on Madagascar, are then related to older primate species.

The Sifaka, an arboreal primate, is able to jump 30 feet with its powerful hind legs. An herbivore, it prefers a diet of leaves, flowers, bark and fruit. As is generally the case with the diurnal lemurs, the Sifaka lives in small social groups (3-10). These groups are apparently dominated by the female members. Propithecus verreauxi comprises four subspecies, all of which share beautiful white fur but with distinctive markings. Deforestation threatens their continued existence.

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