The Lemurs of Madagascar

Madagascar is home to many unusual plants and animals, the most famous among them being the lemur. Lemurs are the smallest members of the primate family—the largest species weigh about 15 pounds and the smallest, the pygmy mouse lemur, weighs only one ounce. Lemurs have very sensitive noses, which help them to identify each other's territory, find grubs, fruit, and other good things to eat, and stay safe from predators. Lemurs spend most of their time in the trees of jungle in Madagascar, and live in groups. The Smithsonian National Zoological park is home to three species of lemurs. Click here to meet them.

Lucky travelers to Madagascar's Nosy Mangabe island will encounter several species of this rare primate on a trek through the wildlife reserve there. Be among them.

What do you know about lemurs? Please share.