Black-And-White Ruffed Lemur

Varecia variegata

The black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) is a large, loud lemur from the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. Its coat is boldly divided into black and white patches, with pattern variation among regional populations. It is strongly associated with forest canopy and fruiting trees, feeding on fruit, nectar, leaves, and flowers. Unlike many primates, ruffed lemurs give birth to litters and shelter infants in nests or protected spots before the young are carried and travel with the group.

Zoos manage black-and-white ruffed lemurs as social, athletic primates that need height, branching pathways, warm indoor space, and opportunities to forage above the ground. Diets balance fruit with leafy material, vegetables, and formulated primate foods to avoid excessive sugar. Breeding is coordinated carefully because Madagascar lemurs face severe habitat loss, hunting pressure, and fragmented populations. They are not pets; legal trade is tightly controlled, and welfare depends on group compatibility, veterinary skill, and long-term conservation planning. Visitors often hear them before seeing them, which makes vocal behavior part of education as well as husbandry.