Eulemur albifrons (É.Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1796)

Taxonomic Identification

The white-headed lemur, with the scientific name Eulemur albifrons, is a medium-sized lemur.

Body Posture

It has a horizontal body posture that is well-suited to its movement patterns.

Tail Function

Its long, furry tail helps it maintain balance when it lands after leaping considerable distances.

Sexual Dimorphism Overview

This species shows clear sexual dimorphism in coloration.

Male Coloration

Males have gray-brown upper bodies, darker lower limbs and tail, paler gray on portions of the upper body, a gray head and face, and a darker crown.

Female Body Coloration

Females have redder-brown upper bodies, paler underparts, and darker feet than males.

Male Facial Hair

Males have prominent, bushy white cheeks and beards, while females have less bushy, reddish-brown cheeks and beards.

Female Facial Features

The head, face, and muzzle of females are dark gray, and females do not have the bushy cheeks that males have.

Size Measurements

The average body weight of the white-headed lemur is 2.3 kg (5.1 lb), average body length is 40 cm (16 in), and its tail can reach up to 50 cm (20 in) in length.

Lifespan

White-headed lemurs have a maximum lifespan of 30 years.

Previous Taxonomic Classification

This species was previously classified as Eulemur fulvus albifrons, a subspecies of the common brown lemur.

Species Status Justification

While it is very similar in appearance to the common brown lemur, genetic analysis supports its status as a distinct species.

Habitat Type

The white-headed lemur inhabits mostly moist lowland and montane rainforests.

Arboreal Behavior

It is arboreal and spends most of its time in the upper layers of the forest.

Geographic Range

It is endemic to north-eastern Madagascar, where it is found nowhere else.