Head to head
Indri vs Ring-Tailed Lemur
The indri and ring-tailed lemur are both iconic lemur species native to Madagascar, but their size, tails, and captivity outcomes could hardly differ more.
| Indri | Ring-Tailed Lemur | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Indri indri | Lemur catta |
| Relative size | Largest living lemur | Considerably smaller |
| Tail | Only a vestigial stub | Long, black-and-white banded |
| Captivity outcome | Never survived long-term in captivity | Common and thriving in zoos |
| Signature behaviour | Loud wailing songs | Sunbathing, scent marking |
| Conservation status | Critically Endangered | Endangered |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Habitat | Rainforest | Forest, grassland |
Indri vs Ring-Tailed Lemur: common questions
Why can the indri not be kept in zoos while the ring-tailed lemur thrives there?
The indri has never been successfully maintained long-term in captivity anywhere in the world, likely due to its highly specialised leaf-based diet and specific environmental needs, while the ring-tailed lemur is far more dietarily flexible and adapts readily to captive conditions, making it one of the most commonly seen lemur species in zoos.
Why does the indri have almost no tail while the ring-tailed lemur has such a long one?
The indri's near-total lack of a tail is an unusual trait among lemurs, most of which, like the ring-tailed lemur, rely on a long tail for balance while moving through the trees; the ring-tailed lemur's tail is also famously used for scent marking and visual signalling within its troop.
Which lemur is more vocal, the indri or the ring-tailed lemur?
The indri is considerably more vocally dramatic, producing loud, wailing songs that carry for several kilometres through the rainforest to advertise territory, a far more far-reaching form of communication than the quieter calls and scent-based signalling more typical of the ring-tailed lemur.