Greater bamboo lemur

The greater bamboo lemur, also known as the broad-nosed bamboo lemur, is a captivating and critically endangered species. Weighing over five pounds, it is the largest of the bamboo lemurs. These lemurs possess grayish-brown fur, distinctive white ear tufts, and their bodies measure approximately one and a half feet in length.

Their diet primarily consists of bamboo, particularly the species Cathariostachys madagascariensis. Fascinatingly, this bamboo contains cyanide, which is lethal to humans, yet these lemurs have evolved to tolerate it.

Regrettably, the greater bamboo lemur is critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss resulting from human activities such as bamboo harvesting. They now reside in southeastern Madagascar, with significant populations found in Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks.

These lemurs are social animals, living in groups and exhibiting complex behaviors. Typically, a male assumes a dominant role, and they employ various vocalizations to communicate with one another. In captivity, they can live for more than 17 years.

With only about 500 individuals remaining across 11 subpopulations, the greater bamboo lemur is among the world's most critically endangered primates. Their habitat has been drastically reduced, and they face ongoing threats from habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities. Once listed among "The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates" they urgently require conservation efforts to avert their extinction.