Greater Bamboo Lemer
Prolemur simus
Endemic to Madagascar, fossil evidence suggests that the greater bamboo lemur was originally widespread in northern, central and eastern areas of the island. Today, however, this species is restricted to areas in and around the Ranomafana National Park of southeastern Madagascar.
The greater bamboo lemur's diet is mainly bamboo stems; 98% bamboo stems, but they also feed on flowers, leaves, and soil.
Theses animals are active throughout the day and night, but activity peaks at night. Greater bamboo lemurs are arboreal.
Little is known about their reproductive history, but births peak in November.
Conservation status
The greater bamboo lemur, is one of the world's most critically endangered primates, according to the IUNC Red List. Scientists believed that it was extinct, but a remnant population was discovered in 1986. Since then, surveys of south and central eastern Madagascar have found fewer than 75 individuals. The most recent total count is 60 animals in the wild. Other estimates suggest the population may be as high as 100 and 160 individuals left in the wild.