If lemurs are the stars of Madagascar, then Ring Tails are the stars of the lemur family. Part of that is very likely due to their staring role in the Madagascar cartoon movie series (not having had the pleasure of a tantrum that persists until a tiny human is allowed to watch their cartoon for the 70th time, we haven't seen this movie yet), but a bigger part is their patience with the Lemur Paparazzi that visit from all corners of the planet. Unlike most other lemurs that are far more comfortable in the trees (making photos more challenging), the Ring Tailed Lemur spends about a third of its time on the ground in wide open spaces. And just in case you miss the first sighting, the troops average about 15 members so another one will be along soon. As with most lemurs, females socially dominate males in all circumstances, including feeding priority (and in much the same way DH dictates the daily agenda for us, dominance is enforced by lunging, chasing, cuffing, grabbing and biting).

Although there are more endangered species of lemur, the ring-tailed lemur is considered a flagship species due to its recognition status. Three factors threaten ring-tailed lemurs- first and foremost is habitat destruction. Starting nearly 2,000 years ago with the introduction of humans to the island, forests have been cleared to produce pasture and agricultural land. Extraction of hardwoods for fuel and lumber, as well mining and overgrazing, have also taken their toll. Today, it is estimated that 90% of Madagascar's original forest cover has been lost. Rising populations have created even greater demand in the southwest portion of the island for fuel wood, charcoal, and lumber. Fires from the clearing of grasslands, as well as slash-and-burn agriculture destroy forests. A second threat to the species is harvesting either for food (bush meat) or pets. Finally, periodic drought common to southern Madagascar can impact populations already in decline. 
 
We were also lucky enough to see the Sifaka Lemur. And given that this is the very unique island of Madagascar, their name actually comes from their characteristic "shi-fak" alarm call (does that mean that Don T should actually be called "Jingles" since that's the sound the many coins in his pocket make when he walks??) These primates spend most of their time in the trees, but don't get around in the same way that other lemurs do. Sifakas remain upright, and they leap quickly from tree to tree by jumping with their powerful hind legs. In this way, they clear distances of over 30 feet. They can also move quickly on the ground, which they do using a two-legged sideways hop- this gets them the label of 'dancing lemurs'. We did get to see one 'dance' away from us but I'm not sure it counts because I didn't get any in-focus shots of this unique movement (did it really happen if you don't have photographic proof??). 
 
We've certainly had our share of great lemur viewings but we 're starting to get concerned that we might miss out on two other critters that Madagascar is famous for- the hissing cockroach and the giraffe beetle. Time to get serious about the insects.