Greater Bamboo Lemur: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Lemurs and Little Primates · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. This lemur is a bamboo specialist. Woody bamboo can make up as much as 95% of what it eats, from shoots to leaves.
2. Bamboo holds cyanide, a poison. Each day this lemur takes in about 48 times the amount that would be deadly for a person.
3. This lemur stands out from its cousins: it is the only known lemur species where the males are in charge.
4. Just before dusk, each group sings out together. These calls tell neighbouring groups where they are.
5. Other bamboo lemurs leave their babies in a safe spot while they feed. This one carries its baby along, on its back or in its mouth.

The quiz

1. What makes up most of the greater bamboo lemur's diet?

• Insects
• Bamboo (correct)
• Fish
• Bird eggs

Woody bamboo can be up to 95% of its diet.

2. Which poison does this lemur swallow every day in its bamboo?

• Snake venom
• Mercury
• Cyanide (correct)
• Arsenic

It takes in about 48 times a deadly human dose of cyanide each day.

3. What makes greater bamboo lemur groups different from other lemurs?

• Males are in charge (correct)
• They have no leader at all
• Babies lead the group
• They always live alone

It is the only known lemur where males dominate.

4. When do groups sing a chorus to tell other groups where they are?

• At midnight
• At sunrise
• At noon
• Just before dusk (correct)

Just before dusk, groups call together to share their whereabouts.

5. What does a greater bamboo lemur parent do with its baby while feeding?

• Hides it in a hole in a tree
• Leaves it with a babysitter
• Carries it on its back or in its mouth (correct)
• Buries it under leaves

Unlike other bamboo lemurs, it carries its baby rather than leaving it.

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