Sifakas are a genus (Propithecus) from the primate family Indriidae. Like all lemurs, they are found only on the island of Madagascar.

Sifakas are medium sized indrids, reaching a length of 45 to 55 cm (about 18-22 in) and a weight of 4 to 6 kg (about 9-13 lbs). Their tail is just as long as their body, which differentiates them from the Indri. Their fur is long and silky, with coloration varying by species from yellowish-white to black brown. The round, hairless face is always black.

Sifakas are diurnal and arboreal. They are skillful climbers and powerful jumpers, able to make leaps of up to 10 m from one tree to the next. On the ground they move like all indrids with hopping movements of the hind legs, holding their forelimbs up for balance. When not searching for food they spend a good part of the day sun bathing, stretched on the branches. Sifakas live in larger groups than the other indrids (up to 13 animals). They have a firm territory, which they mark with smell glands. Edges of different sifaka territories can overlap. Even though they defend their territory from invasion by others of their species, they may peacefully co-exist with other lemur species such as Red-bellied Lemur and the Common Brown Lemur.

Sifakas are herbivores, eating leaves, flowers and fruits.

A four to five month gestation period ends with the birth of a single offspring in July. The young holds fast to the mother's belly when small, but then later is carried on her back. Young are weaned after about six months and reach full maturity at the age of two to three years. The life expectancy of the sifakas is up to 18 years.

Classification

• Family Indriidae: woolly lemurs and allies
  • Genus Indri
  • Genus Avahi
  • Genus Propithecus
    • P. diadema group
      • Diademed Sifaka, Propithecus diadema
      • Silky Sifaka, Propithecus candidus
      • Milne-Edwards' Sifaka, Propithecus edwardsi
      • Perrier's Sifaka, Propithecus perrieri
      • Golden-crowned Sifaka, Propithecus tattersalli
    • P. verreauxi group
      • Verreaux's Sifaka, Propithecus verreauxi
      • Coquerel's Sifaka, Propithecus coquereli
      • Decken's Sifaka, Propithecus deckenii
      • Crowned Sifaka, Propithecus coronatus

References

External links

• Primate Info Net Propithecus Factsheets