Graeme Teague Photography

Verreaux's Sifaka - Lemur

Caption: Verreaux's Sifaka - Lemur
Scientific name: Propithecus verreauxi
Location: Madagascar
Copyright: © Giovanna Fasanelli / gtphoto 832-526-1123 gtphoto@shaw.ca
AGPix ID: AGPix_GrTePh23_0745
Digital Original
Comments: Verreaux's sifakas are found in the western and southwestern regions of Madagascar. Verreaux's sifakas are primarily arboreal and are found in deciduous and evergreen forests. However, they are widespread and can also be found in wet and dry habitats throughout southwest Madagascar. Verreaux's sifakas form social hierarchies, which are subject to change during the mating season as females only breed with dominant males. Subordinate males challenge dominant males, often resulting in intense competition and fighting. Verreaux's sifakas live in social groups and young are cared for by adults, are diurnal and typically active during morning and late afternoon, during which time they feed while sunning on tree branches that are about 13 m from the ground. Generally, they sleep in the forest canopy from dusk until dawn. Verreaux's sifakas are often described as a vertical clingers and leapers (VCL). Using their hind legs, they can leap up to 10m from one tree limb to the next. Unlike many other primates, they also makes use of a highly specialized form of bipedal movement while on the ground. This unique form of saltatorial movement is made possible by their strong, lengthy hind limbs. Two different speeds of bipedal locomotion are used, a slower walking gait and a more rapid pace that contains a brief aerial phase. During saltatorial movements, they use their arms to increase balance by throwing them above their head in rhythm with leaping movements. Finally, Verreaux's sifakas rarely use their hands during feeding. Instead, a swooping motion with the entire body is made, as food directly enters the mouth. GTPhoto is a brilliant knowledge/photo agency with all award winning photographers, filmmakers, authors, scientists & guides covering our world.