Critter Science

The greater bamboo lemur is the largest of the 3 bamboo lemur species and one of only a few mammals, having a predominantly bamboo-based diet. This sedentary creature spends a majority of the day eating mostly bamboo. It has to eat a lot of it in order to survive, as bamboo is not a very nutritious diet. The greater bamboo lemurs were initially discovered in 1870. Unfortunately, due largely in part to deforestation, they have become fragmented and only about 500 exist in the wild today. They were so seldom seen that they were thought to have gone extinct, until they were rediscovered in 1972. They prefer humid primary rainforests with old growth bamboo trees. The IUCN lists these lemurs as Critically Endangered.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Prolemur simus Weight: Up to 5.3 lbs. Length: Up to 17 inches+ Lifespan: Up to 17 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) These primates live in Madagascar, near Vondrozo, and in the Andringitra Massif.

2.) They are primarily arboreal (spend most or all of their lives in trees), but can be seen on the ground.

3.) Bamboo lemurs are strict herbivores (eat only plant matter), feeding almost exclusively on bamboo.

4.) 2% of their diet consists of flowers, soil, leaves, and fruits. The remaining 98% is bamboo.

5.) They occasionally eat soil to gain essential minerals.

But wait, there’s more on the greater bamboo lemur! 6.) The bamboo lemurs are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). However, they have been spotted foraging at night ( nocturnal ).

7.) One of the main calls they make is what has been referred to as the “contact call”. This is a loud yelping sound, which is used to gather the group members together.

Did you know…? The word ‘lemur’ means “ghost” or “spirit of the dead”, in Latin.

8.) Being polygamists, the males will often have more than 1 female companion.

9.) Groups of up to 28 of these critters are sometimes seen, however, the average group size is 4 – 7.

10.) Mating occurs between May – June. Females typically give birth to a single baby in November, during the transitional dry and wet seasons.

Now a Short Greater Bamboo Lemur Video!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here ! toolTips('.classtoolTips3','

These animals are active during dawn and dusk, or twilight. Animals that are crepuscular are typically so due to the fact that many predators are not active during those times of the day. But as in the case of being diurnal or nocturnal, sometimes the organism is crepuscular in an effort to obtain food that might be present at these times. Mule deer , desert cottontails , coyotes , porcupines , and black-tailed jackrabbits , to name a few, fit into this category.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips18','

Organisms that are nocturnal are active at night. Animals that fit into this category are typically prey animals that rely on the cover of darkness as a defense. Granted, there are no shortage of predators at night. Some organisms adopt a nocturnal lifestyle due to climate issues. Many desert dwelling animals are nocturnal as it is simply cooler outside at night. Aardvarks , badgers , bandicoots , and aye-ayes are just some examples of nocturnal creatures.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips24','

Animals that eat mostly or exclusively grass, shrubs, seeds, and nuts are called herbivores. This category can also be broken down into subgroups too.

Critters that fall into this category are: cows , elk , buffalo , sheep , goats , and many rodents , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips24','

Animals that eat mostly or exclusively grass, shrubs, seeds, and nuts are called herbivores. This category can also be broken down into subgroups too.

Critters that fall into this category are: cows , elk , buffalo , sheep , goats , and many rodents , to name a few.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips28','

Stemming from the Latin word arboreus, which means "pertaining to trees", arboreal creatures spend all or most of their lives in or around trees and tall shrubs. They seldom venture to the ground, if at all.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips28','

Stemming from the Latin word arboreus, which means "pertaining to trees", arboreal creatures spend all or most of their lives in or around trees and tall shrubs. They seldom venture to the ground, if at all.');

Madagascar

The Endangered Greater Bamboo Lemur

Aye-Aye, would you look at THAT!