# Varecia variegata subcincta The Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur is a playful and friendly animal from Madagascar. They have fluffy fur and love to jump around in trees, making them fun to watch! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur ![Varecia variegata subcincta](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Varecia_variegata_subcincta_-_Vari_%C3%A0_ceinture_-_Zoologique_Paris_06.JPG&width=800) Photo: Cedricguppy - Loury Cédric, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Varecia_variegata_subcincta_-_Vari_%C3%A0_ceinture_-_Zoologique_Paris_06.JPG) ## Appearance The Varecia variegata subcincta is a large lemur with a striking coat of mostly black fur, contrasted by a thick white ruff framing its face. It also has distinctive white patches on its rump and limbs, and prominent white ear tufts, distinguishing it from other lemurs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Primates - **Family:** Lemuridae - **Genus:** Varecia ## Interesting facts - Their unique black and white fur pattern helps them blend into sun-dappled forest canopy. - They are one of only two lemur species that build nests for their babies, high in the treetops! - They hang upside down from branches using their feet to reach yummy fruits! - Unlike most primates, they often give birth to twins or triplets in their leafy nests. ## Special abilities - **Sound Amplifier:** Varecia variegata subcincta can make extremely loud, roaring calls that help them communicate across long distances in dense forests. - **Nest Architect:** Varecia variegata subcincta builds leafy nests high in trees, which helps protect their newborn babies from predators. - **Forest Gardener:** Varecia variegata subcincta disperses seeds by eating fruits, which helps new plants grow and regenerates their forest home. - **Acrobatic Leaper:** Varecia variegata subcincta has powerful legs that help them leap acrobatically between tree branches with incredible agility. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 43-55 cm - **Weight:** 3.5-4.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 15-20 years - **Speed:** 10 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-3 - **Gestation:** 90-102 days ## Diet & Feeding These lemurs mostly eat fruits, flowers, and nectar, playing a super important role in spreading seeds! - **Primary Foods:** Fruits, Nectar, Flowers, Leaves, Seeds - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Fossa](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fossa) (*Cryptoprocta ferox*) — Primary predator of ruffed lemurs in Madagascar's forests. - **Eaten by:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Hunted by humans, contributing to population decline. - **Eats:** [Fig Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/fig-tree) (*Ficus cocculifolia*) — Feeds on its fruits and disperses seeds, aiding forest regeneration. - **Pollinates:** Traveler's Palm (*Ravenala madagascariensis*) — Feeds on nectar and pollinates flowers, supporting plant reproduction. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Always observe wild animals from a distance and never try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Varecia variegata subcincta? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Varecia variegata subcincta? 43-55 cm ### How much does Varecia variegata subcincta weigh? 3.5-4.5 kg ### How long does Varecia variegata subcincta live? 15-20 years ### How fast can Varecia variegata subcincta move? 10 km/h ### What does Varecia variegata subcincta eat? These lemurs mostly eat fruits, flowers, and nectar, playing a super important role in spreading seeds! ### Where is Varecia variegata subcincta usually found? Forests ### How does Varecia variegata subcincta hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Long Island Game Farm](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/long-island-game-farm) — New York, US · Zoo - [Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/birmingham-wildlife-conservation-park) — England, GB · Zoo - [Brandywine Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brandywine-zoo) — Delaware, US · Zoo - [Ellen Trout Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ellen-trout-zoo) — Texas, US · Zoo - [Rolling Hills Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rolling-hills-zoo) — Kansas, US · Zoo - [Rosamond Gifford Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rosamond-gifford-zoo) — New York, US · Zoo [View all places to see Varecia variegata subcincta](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/varecia-variegata-subcincta) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Varecia variegata subcincta: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/varecia-variegata-subcincta)