With rich rust-red fur offsetting a jet-black face, these are easily among the most beautiful of primates. Under the sun, its brilliant coat looks like it is on fire. A small patch of white fur on its neck contrasts with the rest of its flame-red coat.
Together, we protect wildlife
Threatened by human activities
The only place to see this endangered primate in the wild is on Madagascar's Masoala Peninsula. Political upheaval in 2009 led to a rapid upsurge of illegal logging, which had a serious impact on Masoala Nature Reserve, the only protected area in the lemurs' limited range. Red-ruffed lemurs are also trapped and eaten as food. Efforts are now underway to reestablish a protected area for these critically endangered lemurs.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity