A rare and captivating species that calls the dense rainforests of Madagascar home. Discovered only in 1986, this lemur has quickly become one of the most emblematic species of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. Its fur is a striking golden-brown color, which not only gives the species its name but also provides excellent camouflage among the sunlit leaves and bamboo of its forest habitat.

This lemur’s diet is highly specialized, revolving almost entirely around bamboo, particularly the giant bamboo species native to its rainforest environment. What makes its dietary habits particularly fascinating is its ability to consume large quantities of bamboo that contain high levels of cyanide. Consuming up to twelve times the lethal dose of cyanide for most other animals every day, the golden bamboo lemur has developed an extraordinary resistance to this toxin, a feature that puzzles and intrigues scientists.

Living predominantly in the bamboo thickets of the southeastern rainforests of Madagascar, the golden bamboo lemur prefers areas that offer a dense cover of its primary food source. This preference makes its habitat extremely specific, which is a contributing factor to its status as a critically endangered species. The lemur’s habitat is shrinking due to deforestation and the conversion of land for agricultural use, posing a significant threat to its survival.

The golden bamboo lemur leads a relatively solitary life compared to other lemurs, although it may occasionally be seen in small groups consisting typically of an adult pair and their offspring. This social structure is quite different from the more communal lifestyles seen in other lemur species.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

<250

Official estimate

CR

2020