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 . Photos of the ruffed lemur island and all the primate species on the island from the zoo's Visual Tour. It may be a bit difficult to find and it looks pricey for the size, but it is well worth it for the wealth of lemur information within. This provides extensive information about each species as well as overall history, conservation and the best places to see them in Madagascar. A great reference book on primates is Noel Rowe's The Pictorial Guide to the Living Primates .