Reproduction

In order to continue the population, these lemurs must reproduce.
Reproduction is a key point in the lives of these lemurs. In this
section, you will learn about mating, birth, the calendar for birth, and
caring for the young

We have so much to explore!!!

Mating:

Mating usually occurs between May and July, which is followed by the birth season in October and November. Most lemurs are monogamous (having one mate for life), but some are sometimes polygynous (having one or more mate in a life). Female lemurs go through an estrous cycle (obvious change of behavior that indicates its ready to mate), which usually lasts 30 days.

Birth:

Reproduction happens seasonally. The regular gestation period is 3 months. Although the lemurs produce 2-3 offsprings, it is possible to have up to 6 off springs! Most are generally twins, and conclude into a small family. Surprisingly, newborns are fully formed when they are born.

Calendar: 

-5 weeks old: Can climb trees
-3 months old: Infants remain in nests-then carried in mother's mouth for forage
-2 months old: Plays with father, rolls on back, and tries to use their teeth
-4 months old: Young, independent, and active as adults
-Females mature at 5 months
-Infants become adult size by 6 months


Caring for the young:
  These lemurs are the only type of lemur to build nests for their young, which are usually built 10-20 meters above the ground. Babies are kept in the nest while the mother goes out for food. The nests for newborns are usually also built in the fork of a tree. Sometimes, if needed, they even pull out their own hair to line the nest. The mother carries the babies in her mouth, unlike other lemurs, which cling onto their mother's belly as young, and then they ride on her back as they get bigger and older. Some sad facts about them is that most babies, in fact, 65% of babies die due to falling accidents-lack of trees in Madagascar. Concluding this is the very true but sad facts that ONLY 35% of babies live past the first three months.