Nature is home to hundreds of wonderful species, each one full of surprises and unique characteristics. Some of these animals are well known, for example, lions, eagles, giraffes, elephants, whales, etc. However, there are beings that are not so famous for humans but that are truly peculiar and fascinating, for example: the lemur.
Lemurs are especially charismatic animals. These primates are related to chimpanzees, and, distantly, to humans. Although many of us recognize this species by its striking eyes and its bold way of jumping, there are other surprising details that you probably don’t know about this species.
Let’s expand the panorama a little more and, moving away a little from lions, elephants and other more popular animals, let’s discover the secrets that have made this species of primate one of our favorites.
12 things you didn’t know about the lemur
1. Cuteness is something that defines lemurs and the pygmy mouse species has first place, since it measures only 6 centimeters from head to toe.
2. Do you remember Alf? This curious character who appeared in a television series with a family was a species of lemur that became extinct about 500 years ago.
3. Unfortunately, the popularity of lemurs has placed them at the top of the list of endangered species on Earth, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
4. The term “lemur” was invented in 1795 by Charles Linnaeus, the founder of modern taxonomy. In Latin, this word means “evil spirit of the dead” (although we believe it doesn’t really have much to do with these energetic animals).
5. The female side dominates lemur societies. The families are led by the females, who constantly mark their territory and are the first to enjoy the food.
6. The smartest lemurs are the most popular. According to a study published in Current Biology, whoever is able to perform a new skill becomes famous among the community.
7. The species Indri indri usually sings in groups and everything indicates that they are the only lemurs to do so. The rainforests east of Madagascar are the ideal setting to capture the defense and belonging songs of this species.
8. You’ve probably heard of ring-tailed lemurs, as these curious animals resort to a rather devious technique to obtain resources: stinking fights. The strong aroma they release through the scent glands located on their wrists and shoulders intimidates any rival. Luckily, humans cannot perceive these stinking bullets.
9. Aye-aye lemurs are considered strange beings by some inhabitants of Madagascar. The reason why they inspire fear is because of their somewhat amorphous and unusual appearance in primates.
10. A rather curious fact is that, of the 600 species of primates known so far, only Sclater’s lemurs have blue eyes.
11. Intelligence is a trait that ultimately characterizes lemurs. The Coquerel sifaca species (which is in danger of extinction) is recognized for using a very sophisticated communication system through different skills such as smell.
12. Bees are not the only pollinators. Ruffed lemurs also obtain pollen through their noses while eating fruit and nectar.