Avahi

Avahi, also known as woolly lemur, small primate that lives in wet forests in northwestern and southeastern Madagascar. The smallest of the indriids (a family of primates that includes the sifaka and indri), it weighs about 0.9 kg (about 2 lb). Unlike other indriids, it is nocturnal (active at night).

The fur of both the male and female avahi is brown with beige markings, and the eyes are amber. Avahis have owlish faces. There are only slight differences in appearance between the eastern and western avahis: Avahis from the east have black faces surrounded by a ring of beige; those from the west have beige faces.

Like other indriids, avahis have long hind limbs and leap from tree to tree, where they feed on leaves. During the day avahis sleep in trees in small family groups that consist of an adult male and female and their immature offspring. Females bear single young and do not build nests.

Avahis are endangered as a result of habitat destruction, although they are relatively common in their limited ranges.

Scientific classification: The avahi is known as Avahi laniger. It belongs to the primate family Indriidae.

Contributed by: Lon Alterman