Mayotte lemur

A lemur with crepuscular habits

It is found in Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.

Lemurs are primates and within the primates they belong to the suborder of prosimians.

This species forms multi-male and multi-female groups of up to 40 individuals. Unlike most other lemurs, the Mayotte lemur shows no signs of marked female dominance. It breeds once a year and the female gives birth to a baby after a gestation period of 120 days. During the first three weeks of life, the young hang from the mother's belly and after this time they switch to riding on her back.

It establishes and maintains social bonds through personal grooming. Its unique method of grooming is the result of its 6 lower teeth forming a dental comb that it uses to comb its own fur and that of other members of the group.

The destruction of the forests, resulting from the explosive rate of growth of Madagascar's human population, is the main threat to the survival of the Mayotte lemur.

Conservation status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated