What’s In A Name?

The critically endangered Red-tailed Sportive Lemur is easily spotted in the Zazamalala forest. Whilst it’s a nocturnal species, during day it can be found resting quite close to the ground. It was discovered some 170 years ago and named the Sportive lemur. Nowadays it’s divided into 26 different lemur species. The Latin word lepi (Lepilemur) means pleasant or pretty. Indeed, these are beautiful somewhat woolly teddy bear-like lemurs with a curious and friendly nature, rather than shy or aggressive. Some refer to them as Weasel lemurs. In fact, the first Sportive lemur described was named Lepilemur mustelinus (which means weasel).

Want to conduct Boenga research at Zazamalala?
The Boenga or Red-tailed Sportive Lemur is believed to be herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers and perhaps nectar. However, we have reason to believe that they feed on large insects and reptiles as well. This should be investigated and we invite biology or environmental students to conduct this research at Zazamalala.