Coquerel’s sifaka is a species of lemur that inhabits the dry deciduous forests of northwestern Madagascar. This species stands out from other lemurs with its vertical clinging and leaping locomotion. Their long and powerful hind legs allow them to leap over 20 feet (6 meters) between trees. On the ground, they move sideways on two legs by hopping. The name “sifaka” comes from their distinctive “shif-auk” vocalizations.

Physical Characteristics

• Size and Weight: Adults weigh between 3.7 and 4.3 kg and are about 60 cm in length.
• Fur and Appearance: Their fur is mostly cream-colored, with dark rusty-red patches on the chest and limbs. Their hairless black faces feature striking yellow eyes.
• Anatomical Features: They have a long digestive tract, adapted to extract maximum nutrients from a diet of leaves and fruit.

^{Coquerel’s Sifaka (Pexels)}

Habitat and Distribution

Coquerel’s sifaka is found in areas like the Ankarafantsika Nature Reserve and Bora Special Reserve in northwestern Madagascar. They live in tropical dry forests, which are often damaged by annual fires. The species has a limited geographic range, and habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in its population.

Behavior and Social Structure

• Social Groups: They live in matriarchal groups of 3 to 10 individuals. Females are dominant over males and have priority in food access and mate selection.
• Daily Activities: Their day begins with sunbathing at sunrise. They spend most of the day foraging, resting, and grooming.
• Communication: “Shi-fakh” alarm calls warn group members of predators. They also mark territory using scent.

Diet

Coquerel’s sifakas feed on leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, and dead wood. Their digestive systems are specialized to efficiently break down plant fibers and toxins. However, 98 different plant species have been identified in their diet, only 12 of these account for two-thirds of their intake.

Reproduction and Offspring

• Breeding Season: Mating usually occurs between November and February.
• Gestation Period: Approximately 160 days.
• Infant Care: Infants cling to their mother’s belly for the first few weeks, then ride on her back. They begin to gain independence at 3–4 months old.

Conservation Status

Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, Coquerel’s sifaka faces threats from habitat loss, deforestation, and hunting. Despite being protected in reserves like Ankarafantsika and Bora, habitat destruction continues. Organizations such as the Duke Lemur Center conduct conservation and breeding programs to protect and boost the population of this species.

Ecological Role

Coquerel’s sifaka plays a crucial role in Madagascar’s forest ecosystems by aiding in seed dispersal. Seeds that pass through their digestive systems have a higher germination rate, supporting biodiversity conservation.