- Rare lemur born at Chester Zoo
- Conservation efforts for species
- Habitat loss threatens lemurs
Animal enthusiasts will be ecstatic to learn that a rare lemur cub has been born at Chester Zoo.
Photographs of the adorable Coquerel’s sifaka lemur infant with bright eyes show it clinging to its mother’s fur as she bounds from tree to tree.
At this time, Chester Zoo is one of only three zoos in Europe and the only one in the United Kingdom to care for the Coquerel’s sifaka in an effort to prevent its extinction.
They gave the ‘dancing lemur’ moniker to this critically endangered primate species, which originated in Africa, due to its characteristic lateral gallop.
Their prancing motion enables them to traverse extensive distances with minimal energy expenditure.
Around three months of age, the infant will begin to independently branch out and investigate, according to primate experts at the zoo. At that time, they will determine whether the infant is male or female.
The infant, born to Beatrice, 11, and Elliot, 10, Dr. Nick Davis, a primatologist at Chester Zoo, asserts that it will significantly benefit the species.
A Newborn Lemur Brings Hope
Dr. Davis states, “A new arrival into the conservation breeding programme is a tremendous boost for the species.”
“Only five other Coquerel’s sifaka reside in zoos throughout Europe, so each addition is extremely special,” he continues.
“Like its parents, the newborn was born with a thick, white, fuzzy coat; it is already lively and full of character.”
“Beatrice, the mother, is currently occupied with her lively newborn, who is regularly feeding from her and has demonstrated remarkable signs of growth thus far.”
The twenty-first-born infant represents the most recent achievement of the conservation breeding initiative.
Due to extensive habitat loss on the island of Madagascar, the natural population of Coquerel’s sifaka lemurs has decreased by 80% over the past three decades.
The species is now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as a consequence.
“Don’t miss out! Grab your free shares of Webull UK today!”
Mike Jordan, Director of Animals and Plants at Chester Zoo, states, “The northwest forests of Madagascar are the only known habitat for these extraordinary primates.”
More than ninety percent of the island’s forest has been cleared to make way for human activities and agricultural cultivation, which has resulted in a severe decline in their population and a fragmentation of their habitat.
Mr. Jordan further states that the zoo, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations in Madagascar, has been constructing a protected forest area spanning over one hundred square miles.
Conservation Efforts and Unique Traits
“We are optimistic that the collaborative endeavours between our zoo in the United Kingdom and other European zoos, in addition to our forest conservation efforts in Madagascar, will guarantee the long-term survival of species such as the Coquerel’s sifaka,” he further states.
Lemurs of the species Coquerel’s sifaka can attain a maximum height of 18 inches (46cm) in their natural environments; their tails alone extend an additional 18 inches.
They maintain their equilibrium with the aid of this tail as they leap 20 to 30 feet (6-9m) through the foliage.
However, due to their extremely short front legs, they cannot sprint on all fours on the ground; instead, they utilise their distinctive dancing bounce.
Scientists hypothesize that this unique lemur gait enables them to traverse extensive distances while expending negligible energy.
It is hypothesised that by crossing one limb ahead of the other, a portion of the energy required for the subsequent takeoff can be generated by the momentum gained during landing.
Sifakas possess unique vocalisations that they employ to deter predators and communicate with one another. Additionally, they utilise a scent gland located in their throat to indicate their whereabouts and entice mates by rubbing it along branches.
The most recent addition to the family lineage follows the inaugural delivery of a Coquerel’s sifaka in Europe, which took place at Chester Zoo, one year ago.
Beatrice and Elliot had given birth to the 4 oz (119g) newborn lemur; however, Elliot passed away when the infant was approximately 2.5 months old due to an underlying health condition.
Prior to her birth, there had been no successful captive breeding of Coquerel’s sifakas in Europe.
The most recent addition to the family has restored three of these critically endangered species to their habitat at the zoo.
