Mammals
Crowned Lemur
Eulemur coronatus · also called crowned lemurs
A distinctive orange crown marking sits atop the head of a crowned lemur, a feature that gives this northern Madagascar primate its name and makes it one of the more easily recognized lemur species.
Overview
The crowned lemur, Eulemur coronatus, is an Endangered primate restricted to forest at the northern tip of Madagascar. Its crown-like head marking, marked differences between male and female coloration, and flexible day-or-night activity pattern make it a distinctive member of Madagascar’s lemur fauna.
A crown worn differently by each sex
Unlike many lemur species where males and females look alike, the crowned lemur shows clear differences in coat colour and marking between the sexes, a relatively unusual trait that makes identifying an individual’s sex straightforward at a glance.
Status
Endangered, with a declining population confined to a small area of forest at the northern tip of Madagascar, threatened by deforestation within its already limited range.
Crowned Lemur: common questions
Why is it called the crowned lemur?
It has a distinctive V-shaped orange or chestnut marking on the top of the head that resembles a crown, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Do male and female crowned lemurs look different?
Yes, males and females show noticeably different coat colours and markings, a trait called sexual dimorphism that is relatively unusual among lemur species.
Is the crowned lemur active during the day or at night?
Both; it shows a flexible activity pattern, being active during the day or at night depending on the season and food availability.
Where is the crowned lemur found?
It is restricted to a small area of forest at the very northern tip of Madagascar.