hand of diademed sifaka

FOT888570

RM Rights Managed

Madagascar; Diademed; Sifaka; Propithecus; Diadema; Lemur; Lemus; Animal; Animals; Andasibe; Simpona; Endemic; Prosimian; Wildlife; Wild

The diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema), or diademed simpona, is an endangered species of sifaka, one of the lemurs endemic to certain rainforests in eastern Madagascar. This species is one of the world's largest living lemurs, with a total adult length of approximately 105 centimetres (41 inches), half of which is tail. Russell Mittermeier, one of the contemporary authorities on lemurs, describes the diademed sifaka as "one of the most colorful and attractive of all the lemurs", having a long and silky coat. Like all other prosimians, this species has evolved independently of other primates for about 55 million years (Madagascar separated from the African continent about 90 million years ago.) P. diadema is also known by the Malagasy names simpona, simpony and ankomba joby. The term "diademed sifaka" is also used as a group species designation formerly encompassing four distinct subspecies.

Bernard O'Kane

Bernard O'Kane

2011-07-26

2011-08-25

general

Animals

Mammals

Outdoor

Eye level

Without people

#101010