Red-bellied lemur | Chester Zoo animals

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National Conservation Zoo

Opening times today: 10am - 4pm (Last entry at 3pm)

About

The red-bellied lemur is one of the world’s rarest primates!

They live in small family groups, consisting of two parents and up to four young, with the female leading the group. They are also monogamous, having only one mate at a time. Distinct markings help red-bellied lemurs identify potential mates: males have white eye patches, while females have white bellies. Males use scent glands to mark their territory, and they also mark females when competing for a mate.

Their tightly packed front teeth act like a comb when grooming each other’s fur.

Sadly, the population of red-bellied lemurs has decreased by more than 30% in recent years. Find out how we’re helping the lemurs of Madagascar.

Red-bellied lemur at Chester Zoo

Red-bellied lemur facts

SPECIES

I am a mammal

The red-bellied lemur is a type of primate.

FOUND IN

Madagascar

All 88 species of lemur are native only to the island of Madagascar.

HABITAT

Rainforests

They spend most of their time in the trees.

DIET

Herbivore

Their diet is primarily fruit-based, though they also eat leaves, nectar and flowers.

BEHAVIOUR

Sociable and monogamous

Red-bellied lemurs are social animals that live in groups of two to ten individuals. They are monogamous and form strong pair bonds.

AVERAGE SIZE

Around 34 - 40cm long

As lemurs go, they are considered to be medium-sized.

LIFE SPAN

20 - 25 years

ZOO LOCATION

Lemur Walkthrough

You can find the red-bellied lemurs in our Lemur Walkthrough.

IUCN red list statusVulnerable

Animal vulnerability index

Threats

Threat Humans

Human intervention

Threat Hunting

Hunting or collection

Ring Tailed Lemur Close Up

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Two Children Looking Into Orangutan Habitat

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