Quick answer
Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta) are listed in our guides as Endangered. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
Key takeaway
Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta) are listed in our guides as Endangered. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
Ring-Tailed Lemur conservation status
Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) is recorded here as Endangered. Global categories summarise extinction risk; regional populations can be safer or worse than the headline label.
Threats facing ring-tailed lemurs
Habitat loss around Forests and scrub of southern Madagascar, hunting or persecution, climate pressure, and conflict with people are common drivers. Exact ranking of threats varies by region.
Outlook for Ring-Tailed Lemur populations
Where monitoring exists, trends track protected-area quality and enforcement. Fragmented groups need corridors and genetic exchange to avoid local extinction.
What actually helps
Support verified conservation programmes, cut demand for illegal wildlife products, and protect habitat. Tourism helps only when operators follow ethical wildlife standards.
Female-led troops
Ring-tailed lemurs live in troops of around 6 to 30 animals in which females are dominant — they get first choice of food and lead the group's movements, which is unusual among primates. Troops keep in touch with a wide range of calls, from soft purrs to loud alarm barks that warn of hawks and other predators.
Sunbathing on the ground
Ring-tailed lemurs are the most terrestrial of all lemurs, spending much of the day foraging on the ground. On cool mornings they sit upright with arms outstretched and pale bellies turned to the sun, an unmistakable sunbathing pose that helps them warm up before the day's activity begins.
Sources
Ring-Tailed Lemur FAQs
Are ring-tailed lemurs endangered?
Ring-Tailed Lemurs (Lemur catta) are listed in our guides as Endangered. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
What is the scientific name of the ring-tailed lemur?
Lemur catta — used in research and conservation listings for ring-tailed lemurs.
What do ring-tailed lemurs eat?
Ring-Tailed Lemurs eat fruit, leaves, flowers and insects, with seasonal and regional variation in Forests and scrub of southern Madagascar.
Where do ring-tailed lemurs live?
They are associated with Forests and scrub of southern Madagascar. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of ring-tailed lemurs?
Listed in our guides as Endangered. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.