Mammals
Coquerel's Sifaka
Propithecus coquereli · also called coquerels sifaka
A white-coated lemur with chestnut patches bounds sideways across a clearing, arms raised in a motion that looks remarkably like dancing, earning Coquerel’s sifaka and its relatives the popular nickname “dancing lemurs.”
Overview
Coquerel’s sifaka, Propithecus coquereli, is an Endangered lemur found in dry and gallery forest across a limited area of northwestern Madagascar. Its striking white-and-chestnut coat, powerful vertical leaping, and distinctive sideways hop across open ground make it one of the most recognizable sifaka species.
A dance born of necessity
The sifaka’s upright, sideways hop across open ground isn’t a performance, it’s simply the most effective way for a body built for leaping between vertical tree trunks to cross terrain where there’s nothing to push off from.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population restricted to a limited area of dry and gallery forest in northwestern Madagascar, threatened by deforestation, fire, and farmland conversion.
Coquerel's Sifaka: common questions
Why is Coquerel's sifaka called a "dancing lemur"?
When it crosses open ground, it moves in an upright, sideways bounding hop with its arms raised for balance, a gait that looks like a dance and has earned sifakas the popular nickname "dancing lemurs."
How can you identify Coquerel's sifaka?
Look for a mostly white coat set off by distinctive chestnut-brown patches on the thighs, arms, and chest, a pattern that distinguishes it from other sifaka species.
How does Coquerel's sifaka move through the forest?
It is a powerful vertical leaper, pushing off tree trunks with its strong hind legs to cover several metres between trees in a single bound.
Why is Coquerel's sifaka endangered?
Its dry and gallery forest habitat in northwestern Madagascar has been reduced by deforestation, fire, and conversion of land to farmland, driving a continuing population decline.