Diademed sifaka
A species of Sifaka, Also known as Simpona, Ankomba joby Scientific name : Propithecus diadema Genus : Sifaka
Diademed sifaka, A species of Sifaka
Also known as:
Simpona, Ankomba joby
Scientific name: Propithecus diadema
Genus: Sifaka
Content
Description General Info
Photo By SurreyJohn , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
P. diadema is readily distinguished from all the other lemur species by its characteristic markings and large physical size. Its entire coat is moderately long, silky and luxuriant. The long white fur encircling his muzzle and covering its cheeks, forehead and chin, engenders the "diadem" or crown appearance. Its eyes are a reddish brown, the muzzle is short, and the face is bare with colourisation of darkish gray to jet black. The crown fur is also quite black and often extends to the nape of the neck. The upper back and shoulder fur are slate grayish, although the lower back is lighter in colour attaining a silvery quality. Flanks and tail are a paler gray, sometimes even white, as is the case for ventral fur. Hands and feet are entirely black, while arms, legs and base of tail are a yellowish-golden hue. Only the male is endowed with a large cutaneous gland at the exterior center of the throat, which feature is typically reddish brown.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Diademed sifaka predominantly nourishes on a foliage-based diet, comprising leaves, fruits, and flowers. Notably partial to young leaves and seeds, its diet changes seasonally, favoring fruit in the wet season, and leaves in the dry season.
Appearance
Diademed sifaka is a medium-sized primate with a slender body, long limbs, and a long, bushy tail. It boasts a silky, thick pelt that is primarily white, with darker facial markings and black hands and feet. Aging individuals may exhibit grayer fur. The males and females look similar, although males are slightly larger. The most distinctive features of diademed sifaka are its crest of long white fur on the head and its bright, intent eyes.
Behavior
Diademed sifaka is primarily arboreal and diurnal, spending a majority of its day foraging in the treetops for leaves, seeds, and fruit. This species lives in matriarchal social groups, displaying complex social interactions. Uniquely, it uses vocalizations to communicate territory boundaries, resulting in low physical confrontation levels.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By SurreyJohn , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original