Propithecus deckenii Peters, 1870

Taxonomic Identity

Von der Decken's sifaka, with the scientific name Propithecus deckenii Peters, 1870, is a species of sifaka lemur.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the arid, deciduous, and spiny succulent forests of Western Madagascar.

Body Size

It reaches a total length of 92 to 107 centimetres, or 36 to 42 inches; 42 to 48 centimetres, or 17 to 19 inches, of this total length is the tail.

Etymology

The species is named to honor German explorer Karl Klaus von der Decken.

Fur Coloration

Its fur is usually creamy white, with faint yellow-gold, silver-grey, or pale brown coloring on the neck, shoulders, back, and limbs.

Facial Appearance

The entire face of Von der Decken's sifaka is black.

Social Group Structure

Groups of this species range from 2 to 10 individuals, and groups of 3 to 6 individuals are the most common.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies this species as critically endangered, and it is also included in CITES Appendix I.