Mammals
Greater Bamboo Lemur
Prolemur simus · also called broad-nosed gentle lemur
Holding a thick stem of giant bamboo in its hands, a greater bamboo lemur gnaws through the tough outer layer to the soft core, eating a plant that would poison almost any other animal.
Overview
The greater bamboo lemur, Prolemur simus, is a Critically Endangered lemur found in a few small areas of rainforest in southeastern Madagascar. Its diet of cyanide-rich giant bamboo, strong jaws, and tiny remaining population make it one of the rarest primates in the world.
A lemur that eats poison
Giant bamboo is toxic to most animals, but the greater bamboo lemur has evolved to thrive on it, making the bamboo forest its entire world.
Status
Critically Endangered, with a decreasing population.
Greater Bamboo Lemur: common questions
What does the greater bamboo lemur eat?
It eats mainly giant bamboo shoots, stems, and leaves, along with fruit.
Is the bamboo it eats poisonous?
Yes, the giant bamboo contains cyanide in amounts that could poison most other animals, though the lemur tolerates it.
Why is the greater bamboo lemur critically endangered?
It has disappeared from most of its former range through forest clearing, bamboo cutting, and hunting, and very few animals remain.
Where is the greater bamboo lemur found?
It lives in a few small areas of rainforest in southeastern Madagascar.