They are widely hunted and trapped as a meat source. They move about the canopy running along larger limbs and jumping from one tree to another. Researchers report group size of ruffed lemurs ranging from 2-6 individuals up to 16 for a single group. Females seem to play the greatest role in the group and the responsibility of defense lies with them. Reproduction among ruffed lemurs is considerably different from other lemur species.
Offspring appear in litters.
The relatively short gestation of 90 to 102 days produces twins in over half of all births although up to six newborns have been documented in captivity. Instead of clinging to the mother, the infants are placed in a nest while the mother gathers food. Within a few weeks, the juveniles can follow the mother. Maturity is reached before two years of age. Listed as Endangered by the 2000 Red List from the IUCN .