A striking and highly distinctive lemur species endemic to Madagascar, particularly noted for its predominantly white coat with contrasting dark patches. This species is one of the larger members of the sifaka family, standing out not only for its coloration but also for its impressive, acrobatic mode of locomotion.

One of the most captivating sights in the forests of Madagascar is watching a Verreaux’s sifaka leap. They are adapted for an arboreal lifestyle, moving effortlessly between trees with leaps that can cover distances of up to 10 meters (32 feet). This ability is facilitated by their long, powerful hind legs, which make up a significant portion of their body length. On the ground, they maintain an upright posture and move by hopping on their hind legs in a bipedal fashion, often described as a dance-like movement, which is both amusing and astonishing to observe.

Verreaux’s sifaka has a distinctive appearance, characterized by a creamy white body, fluffy, thick fur, and dark patches around its eyes, on its chest, and on the tops of its hands and feet. This pattern provides a stark contrast to the lush green backgrounds of their forest habitats, making them quite visible, although this visibility is counteracted by their swift movements and the dappled light of their leafy surroundings.

Verreaux’s sifaka diet is primarily herbivorous and consists of leaves, fruit, bark, and flowers. This diet changes with the seasons, depending on the availability of food sources in their environment. During the dry season, leaves become a more significant part of their diet, while fruits are preferred when in season. This dietary flexibility helps them to survive the variable conditions of their habitat.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

CR

2018