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Greater Bamboo Lemurs are a critically endangered species. They are a part of the Lemuridae family which consists of 15 species including one that may be a familiar face to you, the Ring-Tailed Lemur.
The Greater Bamboo Lemur was first discovered in 1870 and was thought to have gone extinct shortly after until they were rediscovered in 1972. Just think of that! Nearly 100 years of being thought extinct, these tough little lemurs fought against all odds and survived.
Greater Bamboo Lemurs are found in the humid forests along the eastern part of Madagascar.
Although not physically connected, Madagascar is a country of Africa. It is in fact an Island, the fourth largest island in the world! And is full of unique wildlife including the Greater Bamboo Lemur.
The Greater Bamboo Lemur is covered in a reddish-grey to brown fur and is most known for its white tufts by their ears. Like many other lemur species, they have a long tail which helps them navigate and balance the treetops.
Watch this video to get a close look at a Great Bamboo Lemur:
They have a head and body length of 15 – 19 inches and a tail length of 16 – 19 inches. Their tails and back legs are relatively long which helps them navigate the treetops in Madagascar.
Females weigh up to 4.6lbs (2.1kg) whereas males weigh up to 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg).
The Greater Bamboo Lemur are curious critters, they like to play and are very social. Typically a group of this species is around 28 and will sometimes mingle with other lemur species. You will find these lemurs in trees, but they are also often on the ground typically during the day but have also been spotted being active at night.
“Greater bamboo lemurs communicate with each other through vocalizations. One of the main calls is the contact call – a strong yelping vocalization, which gathers the group members. Another important call is the repeated alarm signal, given out when threatened or disturbed and pronounced “ouik-grrraaa”.” – Animalia
Female Greater Bamboo Lemurs will typically have one infant at a time. For about 5 weeks after its birth, the young will cling to the mother (as you can see in the video below). After about 5 weeks, the mother will slowly decrease nursing and allow the infant to start exploring its surroundings. And after 8 months, the infant will find its own groundings in the group.
As you might guess by its name, the Greater Bamboo lemur eats mostly bamboo. And are one of the few unique animal species that can survive on such a low nutritional substance. When they are not munching on bamboo, they will also eat some fruits, flowers, and leaves.
Need something cute to watch? Check out this adorable little one enjoying an afternoon snack!
Lemurs are SO important to the health of the forests in Madagascar. They help spread seeds throughout the forests which will help trees, and all kinds of plants grow and fight against deforestation.
One of the great organizations that are helping the Greater Bamboo Lemurs is the Rainforest Trust.
“Rainforest Trust recognizes Madagascar as a globally important biodiversity hotspot and within the past several years, have funded Rapid Protected Area Feasibility Assessments to determine which locations are the most in need of protection.” – Rainforest Trust
The Rainforest Trust is partnering with the Malagasy Institut pour la Conservation des Écosystèmes Tropicaux (MICET), to create a 250-acre reserve to protect an important area of the forest. And not only will this project help this specific species, but other wildlife and even other endangered species that live in the area such as Gray-headed Lemur and Moramora Climbing Frog.
And with your help, 50% of each print purchased goes to an organization that is helping save and protects animals. Order your Malinda Rene print today!
You are the best! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤️