Lemurs are primitive primates known as pro-simians, or pre-monkeys. They live in large female-dominated family groups, in sharp contrast to most other male-dominated primate societies. Native only to the island of Madagascar, lemurs resemble the oldest ancestors of primates.
Lemurs, and most of the wildlife on Madagascar, have been isolated for tens of millions of years. In fact, 80% of the wildlife found here exists no where else on earth. When man first arrived in Madagascar about 2000 years ago from Indonesia, he hunted lemurs for food. The largest species, including one the size of a gorilla, are now extinct. Of the 53 varieties of lemurs known to exist here, we were able to film during our three week visit.
22 май 2014
