You’ve Definitely Seen These Lemurs Before—Here’s Why They’re World-Famous

With unique vocalizations, incredible agility and bounding ability, it's not hard to see why the lemurs of Madagascar are world famous.

Transcript

00:00With unique vocalisations, incredible agility and bounding ability, it's not hard to see why the lemurs of Madagascar are world famous.

00:14These incredible creatures are primates, just like us.

00:17And if you observe them for long enough, you'll notice some obvious similarities.

00:21This is a Sifaka, one of 80 species of lemur in Madagascar.

00:32They're highly social and live in family groups called a troop.

00:36This small troop of female Sifaka are relaxing in the treetops after a meal, but they are on alert.

00:44A rogue male Sifaka from a neighbouring troop has been wandering into their territory, getting too close to the females.

00:52And the dominant males aren't happy about it.

00:55Male Sifakas can be quite territorial, so unwelcome visitors are promptly dealt with in a timely fashion.

01:05This Sifaka did not get to meet a new female friend today.

01:09He will have to return to his home for now.

01:11When the troop aren't relaxing in the sun, or grooming each other in the treetops, they're eating and foraging.

01:22And this is something that they do very well.

01:25The thick pads on their feet and hands protect them from the sharp thorns in the octopus tree.

01:29And their agile bodies, incredible balance and quick thinking, allows them to navigate a route through the complex labyrinth of branches.

01:38And after a while, it becomes easy.

01:41Even while carrying a baby.

01:42But if the leaves are greener and juicier on the other side of the clearing, that's not a problem.

01:52Sifaka are well known for their bipedal gallop.

01:55A series of sideways hops and bounds that quickly get them where they need to be.

01:59And this method of movement can come in many different styles.