Biology

Sifakas are diurnal and spend almost all of their time in the trees (2). The majority of behavioural studies of this species have been carried out on Milne-Edward's sifaka and these are thought to be broadly similar for the 3 other subspecies (2). These sifakas occur in multi-male, multi-female groups of between 3 and 8 individuals (4), who occupy large, exclusive territories that are depicted by scent-markings at the boundaries. Births for Milne-Edward's sifaka occur in May and July although those for other subspecies may take place later in the year (4). A female will give birth to a single offspring every couple of years; the infant initially clings to its mothers belly before transferring to her back after a month (4). Sexual maturity is reached at 4 to 5 years of age and, whilst males disperse, females remain within their natal group and are the dominant sex in the group (4). Sifakas move through the trees by vertical clinging and leaping (2). Feeding takes place at all levels of the canopy, predominately on leaves, although fruit, young shoots and flowers may also be eaten in season (2). Individuals may alight on the ground to search for fallen fruit and to engage in play-fighting, some sifakas have also been seen to eat soil, possibly in an effort to rid themselves of toxins (4).