Lemur catta

Ring-tailed Lemurs are highly social animals that live in troops, typically led by a dominant female. They are terrestrial but also spend time in trees, using their tails for balance. They are known for their loud calls, which are used for communication within the troop.

Mating season for Ring-tailed Lemurs occurs annually, typically during the island's dry season. Females give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of about 4.5 months. The infant clings to the mother’s belly for the first few weeks before riding on her back.

These lemurs have a characteristic ringed tail that can be as long as their body, which helps them balance when moving in trees. They have a gray or brown body with a white underbelly and a face marked by black patches around their eyes and a white snout.

Ring-tailed Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar and are one of the most iconic lemur species in both scientific research and popular culture. They play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds.

Ring-tailed Lemurs are currently classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway in Madagascar to protect their habitat and reduce human-wildlife conflict.