One of the rarest and most visually stunning primates in the world. Endemic to a small region in northwestern Madagascar, this critically endangered lemur is not only genetically unique but also a powerful symbol of the island’s rapidly vanishing biodiversity.

At first glance, the blue-eyed black lemur looks similar to its close cousin, the black lemur (Eulemur macaco), but it has several striking differences. Most notably, both males and females have piercing blue eyes, a rare trait in primates. Males are entirely black, while females are reddish-brown or golden with lighter underparts and often a paler face. The sexes look so different that early scientists thought they were separate species.

The blue-eyed black lemur is diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal, spending most of its time high in the trees of Madagascar’s dry deciduous forests. It is an excellent climber and leaper, traveling through the trees in search of food. Its diet consists mainly of fruit, but it also eats flowers, leaves, nectar, seeds, and occasionally insects. Like other lemurs, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as both a seed disperser and pollinator, particularly for native trees.

Socially, these lemurs live in small, female-dominated groups, usually made up of 4 to 10 individuals. They use vocalizations, scent marking, and grooming to communicate and maintain social bonds. Though they are not as vocal as some lemur species, they make a range of grunts, squeals, and alarm calls to keep in contact and signal danger. They also use scent glands on their wrists and necks to mark territory or communicate reproductive status.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

1,000

Official estimate

CR

2018