Crowned lemurs are primarily active in the day, though occasionally they are nocturnal (4). They live in groups of 5-15 individuals, although 5-6 is the norm. While foraging, groups may split into smaller units of 2-4 animals, maintaining contact with others using guttural grunts (2). This species feeds mainly on fruit, leaves and occasionally vertebrates and bird eggs. It forages at all levels of the canopy, though it seems to prefer the lower levels where there is less competition with Sandford's Brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus sanfordi) (2). Mating occurs in May and June and, after a gestation period of about 125 days, one or two young are born. Births coincide with the onset of the rainy season and therefore an abundance of food (2). Infants are initially carried on the mother's front but as they grow heavier they are moved onto her back. Individuals reach sexual maturity after two years (4).

This is the smallest species belonging to the genus Eulemur. The crowned lemur and some closely related species have extraordinarily marked colour differences (6). Males are overall a chestnut brown colour, with grey-brown upperparts and paler underparts whereas the female's body is grey, with creamy-white underparts (2). Its name, the crowned lemur, describes the conspicuous marking above the brow line and by the sides of the eyes (4). Both males and females bear these crowns, and in males it is a bold chestnut orange colour, with a grey-black patch on top of the head (2). The crown seen on females of this species is a smaller, chestnut brown V-shape. Both males and females of this species have beady bright orange eyes and a long, thick tail (2).

This species occurs in extreme northern Madagascar. It is the only species found on the Cap d’Ambre Peninsula, the most northerly point on the island. From there its range extends south, east of the Mahavavy River beyond Ambilobe. The eastern part of its range extends south in Daraina to the Manambato River. Ranges from sea-level to 1,250 m.

Crowned lemurs, Eulemur coronatus, are found exclusively in the north of Madagascar. More specifically, their range stretches from the northern most point of Cap d'Ambre to the Fanambana River in the south of this region. This species extends westward as far as the town of Ambilobe on the Sambirano River, and its range hugs the coastline on the east.

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: island endemic

This species, like all other lemurs, is endemic to Madagascar, a large island off the coast of East Africa (4). It is restricted to the northern tip of this island (2).

Crowned lemurs average about the size of a small house cat. The head and body length is approximately 34 cm; tail length is 45 cm; cranial length is 8 cm; and ear length is 4 cm. This species is named because of the characteristic crown shaped hair coloration on the top of heads. This patch of hair is usually orange. Other color patterns in the pelage reflect slight sexual dimorphism, with males having brown gray bodies, dark tails, gray faces, and black noses, and females having a distinctly lighter coloration with white bellies.

The lower 6 incisors and canines form a dental comb, which is typical for all lemurs.

Also typical of all lemurs is the long tail, which is used for balance. This tail is not prehensile. In both males and females, the tail darkens distally.

Range mass: 0 to 0 kg.

Average mass: 2 kg.

Average length: 34 cm.

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes colored or patterned differently; male more colorful

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

Crowned lemurs are found in the dry forests of of Cap d'Ambre and Sakalava. They are also found on the slopes of Mt. d'Ambre but their densities decrease at higher elevations. This is possibly due to the increase in humidity at these elevations. In the forests of Ankarana, these lemurs are found more frequently in the canopy forest as opposed to the edges or degraded forest areas.

Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; scrub forest

Dry and semi-dry deciduous forests are preferred, but this species also occurs in some primary and secondary humid forests (2).

The major component of the diet of crowned lemurs diet seems to be fruits. Although these animals spend most of their time in levels of the forest above the ground, they do descend to pick up fallen fruit. During the wet season, crowned lemurs occationally eat leaves as well.

During the dry season, crowned lemurs search out waterholes, often found deep inside caves, for water. Occasionally, flowers, pollen, and insects are also eaten.

Animal Foods: insects

Plant Foods: leaves; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit; pollen; flowers

Primary Diet: herbivore (Frugivore )

The role of these aminals within their ecosystem has not been studied in depth. As frugivores, Eulemur coronatus may be important in seed dispersal. As nectivores, these primates may aid in plant pollination. To the extent that these animals fall prey to other mammals and birds, E. coronatus may influence local food webs.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds; pollinates

Predators of these lemurs have not been reported. However, it seems likely that avian predators such as raptors, and terrestrial predators like fossas, are the principle predators on these animals.

As in other primates, communication in this species is complex. It involes chemical elements, in the form of scent marking, as well as visual elements, in the form of body postures and facial expressions. In additon to these forms of communication, this species uses grooming (a tactile form of communication) to maintain and establish social bonds. like other lemurs, these animals also use vocalizations to communicate with one another.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Other Communication Modes: scent marks

Perception Channels: visual ; acoustic

Members of this genus are repored to reach up to 36 years of age in captivity. Lifespan in the wild is likely to be lower. Eulemur coronatus is probably like other members in the genus in regard to lifespan.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 27 years.

Maximum longevity: 27 years (captivity) Observations: One specimen was about 27 years old when it died in captivity (Richard Weigl 2005).

Crowned lemurs are polygynous, but with little intrasexual selection among males. It has been suggested that this, along with the absence of a male size advantage, has facilitated the evolution of the pattern of female dominance that is observed in these lemurs.

Mating System: polygynous

Gestation length is roughly 125 days. Matings occur in late May and June, resulting in births between mid September and October. Earlier births coincide with the first rainfalls. Early births also tend to occur in nutritionally richer, wetter areas. Conversely, later births seem to occur in drier forests where fruit availability is low. Single infants and twins appear to be equally common.

Nursing continues until 5 to 6 months of age. Sexual maturity in crowned lemurs is reached at approximately 20 months.

Breeding interval: These lemurs are capable of breeding annually.

Breeding season: Matings occur in late May and June.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.

Average gestation period: 125 days.

Range weaning age: 5 to 6 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 20 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 20 months.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); viviparous

Average birth mass: 70 g.

Average gestation period: 126 days.

Average number of offspring: 1.5.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 608 days.

Infants ride on their mothers' bellies for the first 3 weeks, shifting to nurse and sometimes moving to the back later on. Females nurse their young until they are 5 to 6 months old. The role of males in parental care has not been documented.

Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Protecting: Female); extended period of juvenile learning

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Justification

History

• 2000
  Vulnerable
• 1996
  Vulnerable
• 1994
  Endangered
  (Groombridge 1994)
• 1990
  Endangered
  (IUCN 1990)
• 1990
  Endangered
  (IUCN 1990)
• 1988
  Insufficiently Known
  (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1988)
• 1986
  Insufficiently Known
  (IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre 1986)

Habitat distruction is the major threat facing crowned lemurs. These lemurs tend to stay within the boundries of four reserves: the Forest d'Ambre, the Montagne d'Ambre National Park, and the Analamera and Ankarana special reserves. These areas, which at one time formed a stable band of forest within which crowned lemur populations could travel, have become isolated patches due to logging, burning, and grazing. Also, poaching of these lemurs for food is increasing. They are listed as a priority in terms of IUCN's conservation concern taxa. Today, conservation measures aim toward better management of these four reserves and educating local communites.

US Federal List: endangered

CITES: appendix i

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: vulnerable

Classified as Vulnerable (VU A1cd, B1+2bc) on the IUCN Red List 2004 (1) and listed as on Appendix I of CITES (3).

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

This species is threatened by habitat loss due to cultivation, logging, development and forest fires (2). These factors have dramatically reduced suitable habitat for the crowned lemur, and even though it occurs in four protected areas, the reserves themselves are fragmented, restricting this species' home ranges and breeding potential (5). Research suggests that logging, grazing and hunting continues even within these reserves (5).

Conservation Actions

Protection within Madagascar's northern reserves must be improved if the crowned lemur is to survive. International trade of this species is prohibited by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the IUCN recommends the protection of this species as a priority case (5). Captive breeding programmes in zoos have been established and should be expanded, with a view to reintroducing individuals into protected reserves in the near future (2).

Because of their relatively small population sizes and their general lack of contact with humans, crowned lemurs have very little negative impact on people, economically or otherwise.

On Madagascar, crowned lemurs are often taken in as house pets. They may also be hunted for meat. Beyond this, ecotourism with the intent of veiwing such charismatic creatures may help the human economy of Madagascar.

Positive Impacts: pet trade ; food ; ecotourism