Common Name: Mongoose Lemur

Toxonomy: Mammalia Primata Lemuridae . Eulemur mongoz

Identification: Similar to most other lemurs, the Mongoose are the size of a common house cat. They are 19 inches long including the tail, while 13 inches without. They weigh in at about 4.5 lbs. The colorazation of the male and females are similar, with the females having gray heads, forelimbs, and shoulders. The females also have a dark back and a white beard. The males being slightly darker and having a reddish brown beard.

Environment: Primarily found in the dry deciduous forests on the mainland, and in the humid forests on the Comores islands. They are also located on the northwestern coast of the mainland, and on the islands of Moheli, Anjouan, and the Comores.

Diet: Again very similar to most other species of lemur, the Mongoose feed on flowers, fruit and leaves. They also particularily enjoy pollen from various flowers.

Behavior: Strangely enough, these lemurs are found in groups of 3 to 4 members, and have small territories. Usually consisting of a male, female and their offspring. Again the females are dominant, feeding first and having their choice of mating partner.

Reproduction: Once the Mongoose lemurs hit 2 years old they are usually ready for breeding. They have one child a year, and give birth in mid October. Similar to the Brown lemurs, the infants cling to their mother's stomach for three to four weeks for feeding. After this point they take their first steps while still returning to their mother for feeding purposes. At the tender age of five to six months most of the lemurs are off on their own.

Conservation: The Mongoose lemurs are only found on one area of Madagascar. It is currently being cleared for pasture, charcoal production, and crops. Also their island areas are depleting steadily. They are protected under convservational law, but the Malagasy continue to hunt them. Currently only 100 are found in captivity.

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