Larval Sifaka
| Larval Sifaka | ||||||||||||
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Larval Sifaka ( Propithecus verreauxi ) |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Propithecus verreauxi | ||||||||||||
| A. Grandidier , 1867 |
The Larvensifaka ( Propithecus verreauxi ) is a Malagasy primate species from the family of Indriartigen (Indridae) within the lemurs (Lemuriformes).
features
Larval Sifakas reach a head body length of 40 to 48 centimeters, the tail becomes 50 to 60 centimeters long. The weight is 3 to 3.5 kilograms. Their fur is long, dense and soft. It is predominantly white in color, the top of the head is brown, the chest and upper arms are sometimes reddish brown in color. The black face with the clearly protruding muzzle is hairless. As with all Sifakas, the hind legs are greatly elongated.
distribution and habitat
Larval Sifakas live in southwestern Madagascar. They occur in dry, deciduous as well as in thorn forests, in the extreme southeast also in rainforests.
Lifestyle and diet
Larval Sifakas are diurnal and predominantly tree dwellers, although they sometimes come to the ground. In the trees they move with their elongated hind legs climbing or hopping. On the ground they hop with their hind legs and stretch their front legs upwards for balance.
They live in groups of 4 to 8 animals, the smaller groups are sometimes family groups. Fixed territories, which are marked with scent glands, are 2–25 hectares and are largest in dry forests.
The group members communicate with warning shouts, among other things. They warn of predators like the Fossa with nasal barking, which sounds like si-fak and to which the species owes its name. Flying birds of prey produce a loud roar. Larval Sifakas are herbivores. They feed on fruits, seeds and flowers in the rainy season, while leaves play a stronger role in the dry season. They generally cope better with dry conditions than other lemurs.
Reproduction
The mating occurs between January and February. The mating season is very short, the males fight each other, which can sometimes result in serious injuries. After a gestation period of 160 to 170 days , the female gives birth to a single young between July and August. Young animals first cling to the mother's belly and later ride on her back. After about six months they are weaned and shortly afterwards they are self-employed. The sexual maturity occurs three to five years. The males then have to leave their birth group, the females stay in it for life. Life expectancy is around 25 years.
Danger
Larval Sifakas have a larger range and a more varied habitat than other Malagasy lemurs. The main danger is the destruction of their habitat. Some, but not all population groups in their area of distribution have a food taboo against these animals. The IUCN estimates a population decline of at least 50% over the past 52 years (three generations) and fears that this development will continue in the future. The Larvensifaka is therefore as endangered ( endangered listings).
The species is no longer kept in Europe, the former owner is Breslau.
Systematics
The larval sifaka belongs within the sifakas to the verreauxi group, which lives in the west and south-west and rather includes smaller animals. This group also includes the Coquerel Sifaka , the Von-der-Ceiling Sifaka , the Crown Sifaka , possibly the Gold Crown Sifaka . In the past, the first three species mentioned were combined with the larval sifaka to form a common species, today they are considered separate.
literature
- Nick Garbutt: Mammals of Madagascar. A Complete Guide. Yale University Press, New Haven CT et al. 2007, ISBN 978-0-300-12550-4 .
- Thomas Geissmann : Comparative Primatology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin et al. 2002, ISBN 3-540-43645-6 .
