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    Indriidae- Wooly lemurs

    Family of melodious singers and dancers! Home of the biggest lemur species

    Their impressive leaps can astonish you!

    All three genera are vertical grasp clingers, mainly folivorous, and make spectacular leaps between vertical support. Woolly lemurs (genus Avahi) are this family’s smallest and only nocturnal members. Sifakas (genus Propithecus), larger than woolly lemurs, are diurnal, long-tailed with long hind limbs. Genus Indris, with a single species, is the largest extant lemur, characterized by a vestigial tail.

    The total population numbers and densities for all family members are unknown because of their secretive lifestyle. They are endemic to Madagascar. Habitat destruction is the worst threat they face, like all other non-human primates.

    Did you know…?

    • The number of species and their phylogenetic relationships for the members of the family Indriidae is still unclear.
    • Some species can leap up to 10 m (33 ft).
    • Most of the species rarely survive in captivity, and hence captive breeding is not possible for rehab efforts for many of these members.
    • They have only four teeth in their toothcomb, not six like other lemurs.
    • They are susceptible to the risk of extinction due to relatively small and fragmented geographical ranges and the constant pressure of habitat destruction.
    • Despite protection by international laws, around 87% of Indriidae are endangered or threatened.
    • This is the only family of prosimians, including nocturnal and diurnal members.