Species Preserved | Mammals

Black-and-white ruffed lemur

The largest species within the lemur family, black and white ruffed lemurs spend their time in the canopy of low- to mid-altitude rainforests in Eastern Madagascar. Due to habitat loss, their population is thought to have declined by over 80% in just three generations.

Status Critically Endangered

Population Unknown

Scientific name Varecia variegata

Habitats Rainforest

Fun fact – They are the world’s largest pollinators – pollen sticks to their snouts and the thick fur around their faces to be transported from plant to plant!
  • Ecology

    Black and white ruffed lemurs have twelve different vocalisations that are loud enough as to be heard from half a mile away. Unlike most primates, they build up to fifteen nests in trees to leave infants in while they forage for fruits, seeds, leaves and nectar, transporting their infants in their mouths rather than having them cling on to their mothers’ midsection. They travel around home ranges in groups of up to 16 and have strong social bonds between members of the group.

  • Threats

    High rates of rainforest logging destroys their habitat and removes fruit trees which these lemurs rely on for food. This logging also creates tracks into the rainforest, giving poachers easier access to the lemurs. Due to their loud vocalisations and large size, they are among the most heavily hunted species of lemur, caught for human consumption or for the illegal pet trade in Madegascar.

  • Conservation

    Black and white ruffed lemurs are protected in several national parks, and they appear on CITES Appendix I, meaning commercial, international is trade is prohibited. Captive populations seem to thrive, and breeding programmes have been set up in zoos to increase the genetic diversity of the population. However, individuals raised in captive seem to struggle to adapt to life in the wild, so more protection is needed in nature reserves to maintain reintroduced populations. The genetic samples stored by Nature’s SAFE may play a important role in future regeneration of the black and white ruffed lemurs.

Fundraise for us

Sponsor a Fundraising Hero embarking on a challenge, or plan your own fundraiser to support us.

Get Started
Corporate participation

Explore opportunities to develop a corporate partnership with us.

Get Started

Guianan Squirrel Monkey

Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild

Inca Tern

Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild

Clouded Leopard

Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild

Little egret

Total Population: 660,000 to 3,150,000 in the wild

Wolverine

Total Population: Around 13,000 in the wild

Sumatran laughing thrush

Total Population: 2,500 - 10,000 in the wild

South American fur seal

Total Population: Around 200,000 in the wild

Collared peccary

Total Population: More than 2,000,000 in the wild

Black howler monkey

Total Population: Less than 5,000 in the wild

Fea’s tree frog

Total Population: Unknown

African wild dog

Total Population: Around 6,600 in the wild

how to help

For many species, it’s now or never.

Donate Now

or why not Fundraise For Us?

Mandanao bleeding-heart dove

Total Population: Less than 2,500 in the wild

Scimitar-horned oryx

Total Population: Around 400 in the wild

Bactrian camel

Total Population: Less than 1,000 in the wild

Patagonian Sea Lion

Total Population: 222,500 to 265,000 in the wild

African Lion

Total Population: 20,000 - 25,000 in the wild

Asian short-clawed otter

Total Population: Unknown

Red river hog

Total Population: Unknown

Chimpanzee

Total Population: 170,000 - 300, 000 in the wild

Brandt’s vole

Total Population: Unknown