Indri Lemur - Madagascar

Weighing 6-9.5kg, the Indri is the largest living lemur species. Indris are active during the day. They are easily identified by their loud, haunting calls used to maintain territory.
Indris are folivores, eating mostly immature leaves. They also eat flowers, fruit, seeds, and bark, and occasionally descend from the trees to eat soil. Scientists think they may use soil to reduce toxins in seeds they eat.
Indris live in groups of 2-6 individuals (monogamous pairs and their children). Like most lemur species, Indris are female dominant. However, unlike other species, Indris do not reach reproductive maturity until 7-9 years of age, and females only give birth every 2-3 years! This slow reproductive rate makes it difficult for Indri populations to grow.
Indris are found in tropical moist lowland and montane forests of eastern Madagascar.
Indris are classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers are decreasing, and the overall population is severely fragmented. Individuals cannot easily reach each other to reproduce, usually because the forest itself is fragmented. These “holes” in the Indris’ habitat make it difficult for them to maintain and grow their numbers.
The main threats to Indris are habitat destruction from slash and burn agriculture, logging, and fuelwood gathering for charcoal production. Poaching is also a major issue.

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