sifakas
Sideways-hopping lemurs
Sifakas are large lemurs native to Madagascar, known for their distinctive sideways hopping gait when moving on the ground.
They live in trees and leap between branches with remarkable agility.
The name comes from their alarm call, which sounds like "shee-fak." Like all lemurs, they exist only in Madagascar and face habitat loss.
Madagascan arboreal primate
- MalagasyMadagascar's native language
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
- baobabBulbous African tree species
- Aye-ayeNocturnal Madagascar lemur
fossa · vanilla · ecotourism · endemic
Springing into air
- bipedalHaving two feet
- boundingMoving by leaps
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
- hind legsAnimal's back limbs
arboreal · springing · powerful legs · landing · dancing · galloping
At risk of extinction
- critically endangeredAt extinction's edge
- habitat lossElimination of living spaces
- deforestationLarge-scale woodland elimination
- huntingPursuing wild game
bushmeat · taboo · protected areas · captive breeding · wildlife corridors · slash-and-burn · extinction · endemic species
Mobile group, organized
- socialConcerning community life
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- sunbathingDeliberate exposure to rays
- groomingSelf-care for appearance
vocalizations · alarm calls · scent marking · foraging · herbivore · diurnal · resting · huddling
Light-colored animal hair
- silky coatSmooth, shiny animal fur
- long tailExtended rear extremity
- large eyesOversized ocular organs
- hind limbsBack pair of legs
grasping hands · opposable thumb · golden crown · diademed · toothcomb
lemur
Madagascan arboreal primate
- MalagasyMadagascar's native language
- rainforestWet tropical woodland ecosystem
- baobabBulbous African tree species
Aye-aye · fossa · vanilla · ecotourism · endemic
leaping
Springing into air
- bipedalHaving two feet
- boundingMoving by leaps
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
hind legs · arboreal · springing · powerful legs · landing · dancing · galloping
endangered
At risk of extinction
- critically endangeredAt extinction's edge
- habitat lossElimination of living spaces
- deforestationLarge-scale woodland elimination
hunting · bushmeat · taboo · protected areas · captive breeding · wildlife corridors · slash-and-burn · extinction · endemic species
troop
Mobile group, organized
- socialConcerning community life
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- sunbathingDeliberate exposure to rays
grooming · vocalizations · alarm calls · scent marking · foraging · herbivore · diurnal · resting · huddling · play
white fur
Light-colored animal hair
- silky coatSmooth, shiny animal fur
- long tailExtended rear extremity
- large eyesOversized ocular organs
hind limbs · grasping hands · opposable thumb · golden crown · diademed · toothcomb
sifakasmonkeys
Tailed primates, not apes
apes · chimpanzees · gorillas · orangutans · humans