At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The black-and-white ruffed lemur is a large, boldly patterned lemur with a loud, raucous call. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
It is one of the most important pollinators among primates, feeding on nectar from large flowers.
Range & habitat
Rainforests of eastern Madagascar.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture
- Hunting
- Fragmentation
Why it matters
As a fruit- and nectar-feeder that pollinates and disperses seeds, the black-and-white ruffed lemur is a flagship for Madagascar's eastern rainforests.
Sources
Sources for Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur
- IUCN Red List — look up Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a lemur act as a pollinator?
The black-and-white ruffed lemur feeds on nectar from large flowers (such as the traveller's palm), carrying pollen on its face and fur between blooms — an unusual pollinating role for a primate.
Why is it Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture, hunting, and fragmentation across eastern Madagascar. See the IUCN Red List.
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