Propithecus verreauxi
Propithecus verreauxi
(Grandidier, 1867)
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Family: Indridae
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Common Name: Sifaka
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IUCN Status: CR « Critically Endangered »
Identification Key
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Fur mostly white or cream, sometimes with grayish or brownish areas
(shoulders, back, head)
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Black hairless face, very expressive yellow eyes
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Long hind legs adapted for leaping
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Characteristic movement on the ground by lateral vertical jumps ("dancing")
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Diurnal and arboreal species, very agile in the canopy
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Endemic to southern and southwestern Madagascar
Size & Weight
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Body length (head-body): 42–45 cm
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Tail length: 50–60 cm
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Weight: 3.4–4.3 kg on average
Reproduction
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Breeding season: June–July
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Gestation: about 5 months
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Births: usually December–January
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Litter size: 1 offspring
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The young clings to the mother’s belly, then on her back after
1 month
Sexual Dimorphism
- Often smaller than females
- In some individuals: yellowish tint on the chest due to glandular marking
- Social dominance, especially during breeding season
- Slightly larger size
Diet
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Folivore-frugivore: leaves, fruits, flowers, bark, and buds
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Diet highly seasonal (strong adaptation)
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Can feed on many plant species, even those toxic to
other animals
Threats
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Habitat destruction (deforestation, bushfires)
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Hunting for bushmeat in certain regions
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Species
Endangered
according to IUCN
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Reduced mobility on the ground => increased vulnerability in fragmented habitats