L. catta Skull Replica measures 3.1 inches. L. catta Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Known as Ring-Tailed Lemur.

The skull of L. catta or Ring-Tailed Lemur is fairly elongated with a long tapering snout, shallow mandibular ramus, and complete postorbital bar. Relative to monkeys, apes and humans, the braincase is comparatively small and positioned entirely behind the facial region.

The front, lower dentition includes a toothcomb (4 incisors and 2 canine teeth), while the first premolars resemble canines. The ring-tailed lemur has a dentition of 2.1.3.32.1.3.3 × 2 = 36, meaning that on each side of the jaw it has two incisors, one canine tooth, three premolars, and three molar teeth.

The L. catta or Lemur catta is a large strepsirrhine primate and the most recognized lemur due to its long, black and white ringed tail. It belongs to Lemuridae, one of five lemur families, and is the only member of the Lemur genus. Like all lemurs it is endemic to the island of Madagascar.

Known locally in Malagasy as Maky or Hira, it inhabits gallery forests to spiny scrub in the southern regions of the island. L. catta is omnivorous and the most terrestrial of extant lemurs. The animal is diurnal, being active exclusively in daylight hours.

They are highly social, living in groups of up to 30 individuals. It is also female dominant, a trait common among lemurs. To keep warm and reaffirm social bonds, groups will huddle together.

Ring-tailed lemur or Lemur catta will also sunbathe, sitting upright facing its underside, with its thinner white fur towards the sun.

The L. catta is an opportunistic omnivore primarily eating fruits and leaves, particularly those of the Tamarind tree. Tamarind makes up as much as 50 percent of the diet, especially during the dry, winter season.

They eat from as many as three dozen different plant species, and its diet includes flowers, herbs, bark and sap. It has been observed eating decayed wood, earth, spider webs, insect cocoons, spiders, caterpillars, cicadas, grasshoppers, small birds and chameleons.

As one of the most vocal primates, the Ring-tailed lemur or Lemur catta uses numerous vocalizations including group cohesion and alarm calls.

Experiments have shown that the Ring-tailed lemur, despite the lack of a large brain (relative to simiiform primates), can organize sequences, understand basic arithmetic operations and preferentially select tools based on functional qualities.

The greatest threats to Ring-tailed lemurs are habitat loss, hunting, and live capture for the illegal pet trade. Although a hardy species, scientists predict that they could lose over 60% of their habitat due to the effects of climate change in the near future. There are also frequent droughts across their geographical range, which causes an increase in hunting and a decrease in food sources for the lemurs.

Ring-tailed lemurs sometimes fall prey to natural predators like the Fossa, Madagascar harrier-hawk, Madagascar buzzard, and Madagascar Ground Boa. Unnatural predators like domestic dogs and cats add to this threat. Finally, Ring-tailed lemurs are frequently wild-captured and kept as pets. They are the most common lemur species in the pet trade.

Captive/Wild Lifespan: up to 18 years in the wild and 30+ in captivity.

Ring-Tailed Lemur Facts:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Strepsirrhini
Family: Lemuridae
Genus: Lemur
Species: L. catta
Binomial name: Lemur catta
Conservation status: Endangered

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