Sifaka (Propithecus Verreauxi)

Sifaka (Propithecus Verreauxi)

* Family: Indriidae,

* Genus: Propithecus,

* Phylum: Chordata,

* Class: Mammalia,

* Order: Primates,

* Type: Mammal,

* Diet: Herbivore,

* Size: Head and body, 18 in (46 cm); tail, 18 in (46 cm),

* Weight: 7 to 13 lbs (3.2 to 6 kg),

* Group name: Troop,

* Protection status: Endangered.

** Sifakas are lemurs. Lo cal Malagasy people named them for the unique call they send echoing through Madagascar's forests, which sounds like shif-auk. These primates spend most of their time in the trees, but don't get around in the same way that other lemurs do. Sifakas remain upright, and they leap quickly from tree to tree by jumping with their powerful hind legs. In this way, they clear distances of over 30 feet (9 meters). They can also move quickly on the ground, which they do using a two-legged sideways hop.

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sifaka

or http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/sifaka/

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Sifaka
• (Propithecus
• Verreauxi)

[Lemurness]

The lemurs shown here are actually Crowned Sifakas (Propithecus coronatus)- it was considered a subspecies of the Verreaux's Sifaka for a while, however, so the two seem to be confused a lot.

Extra special for you, though- Crowned Sifakas are incredibly endangered, so it's a pretty rare treat to get to see them!

This is a lovely video, too, and it's really nice to see such a beautiful species in action! (: