Sifaka

Sifaka, common name for any of two or three species of lemurs. One species, Verreaux's sifaka, weighs slightly less than 4 kg (less than 8.8 lb) and lives in the dry forests of western Madagascar. It is generally white with brown or black markings on the head. Two varieties of this western species also have brown and gray markings on the arms and thighs. The second species, the diademed sifaka, weighs about 6.5 kg (about 14.3 lb) and inhabits the wet forests of eastern Madagascar. There are a wide range of eastern subspecies—some are pure black or white; others may be combinations of white, black, gold, gray, and orange. There do not appear to be color differences between males and females. Some primatologists consider Tattersall's sifaka, discovered recently in the northeasternmost part of Madagascar, to be a third species, but others consider it a subspecies of the diademed sifaka.

Sifakas spend most of their time in trees, feeding on leaves throughout the year and fruit when it is available. The animals make spectacular leaps from tree to tree, pushing off from one trunk with their long hind limbs and then turning 180 degrees in midair to face the next tree. During these leaps, which can be 10 m (33 ft) long, they maintain their upright posture by using their long tails. Sifakas' athleticism in the trees contrasts sharply with their locomotion on the ground—an awkward series of hops.

Sifakas are diurnal (active during the day) and live in groups of up to nine individuals, including several breeding females. Usually a female bears a single offspring. Captive sifakas have been known to live to 25 years of age.

Like other lemurs, sifakas are endangered as a result of habitat destruction. Although some populations are relatively stable, others (including Tattersall's sifaka) are in immediate danger of extinction.

Scientific classification: Verreaux's sifaka is classified as Propithecus verreauxi and the diademed sifaka as Propithecus diadema. Tattersall's sifaka is classified as Propithecus tattersalli. Sifakas belong to the primate family Indriidae.