One of the two largest living lemurs, black and white with a stump of a tail, found only in the forests of eastern Madagascar. Mated pairs stay together for life with their young, and groups sing loud, haunting songs almost every day. It is Critically Endangered.
Quick answers
What is it?Mammal
Carnivore?No, herbivore
Dangerous?No
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Daytime
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?No
Do people eat it?In places
Many Malagasy taboos (fady) protect it, but it is still hunted and in some regions its meat is prized.
At a glance
Found inMadagascar
HabitatRainforest, Mountains
ColoursBlack, White
SizeMedium
Length64–72 cm (head and body)
Weight6–9.5 kg
Legs4
Covered inFur
Lives infamilies
Lives for15–22 years
In the wild
- Where it lives
- Lowland and mountain forests along the east coast of Madagascar.
- What it eats
- Mainly young, tender leaves, plus seeds, fruit and flowers.
- Conservation
- Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)
Did you know
The largest lemur, and families sing wailing duets that carry for two miles.
Only one indri has lived more than a year in captivity, and none has ever bred there.
Songs last from 45 seconds to over three minutes, and neighbouring groups answer each other.
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