Lemuridae
Primates
Mammalia
90-102 days
2-6
It is the most frugivorous lemur that exists, its diet being mainly fruit-based, although it also feeds on leaves, nectar and seeds depending on the season.
19 years in the wild, up to 28-32 years in captivity.
They have a considerable size and a long tail, about 60 cm long. As its name suggests, its fur is black and white. The abdomen, sides, tail, limbs and face are usually black; but this pattern may vary depending on the area they inhabit.
They are mainly arboreal, although they can also be observed in lowlands. They live in social groups of 2 to 10 individuals, usually foraging alone, returning to a group later to sleep. They communicate, like all lemurs, through vocalizations that bring the group together and warn of possible dangers, such as the presence of fossas, their main predators.
It is a critically endangered species, especially due to the loss of its habitat due to agriculture and the presence of natural cyclones. Hunting is also an important factor that reduces its population in certain regions.
It is probably the only primate species that builds nests exclusively for its young, although these are potentially sensitive to predators. On the other hand, the black-and-white collared lemur has the second loudest call of all primates, the most powerful being that of the howler monkey.
