Behavior and Ecology

A group of lemurs in the reserve.
At Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, we compare the behavior of groups that live within the protected reserve and those that include the research camp and degraded forest as part of their home range. We are discovering some important differences.

Normal Behavior

Within the reserve forest, we see normal behaviors such as:

  • Foraging for leaves and fruits
  • Scent-marking

Unusual Behavior

Within the camp the lemurs have added a number of unusual behaviors.

  • Gazing at their reflection in windshields
  • Using a tent as a slide


On-going research will compare activity budgets within both the camp and reserve habitats.

   Did you know that the lower front teeth of ring-tailed lemurs form a "toothcomb" used to obtain food and groom each other?