Verreaux's sifaka - resting 2, Kirindy Reserve, Madagascar

Another series of this friendly tree grazer, the Verreauxs sifaka. This time I dug up some info on their social system.

Like many lemur species, they live in a female dominant society, where females vastly outnumber males. Typically, in a full group there may be up to 7 females, 3 males, and a few young. One theory for this female dominance is based on the lack of sexual dimorphism. Males and females are roughly of equal size, weight and strength, therefore dominance is based on reproductive value, not physical strength.

However, there is still a dominant male. Out of the 3 males, one will be dominant and will have exclusive mating rights with all adult females in the group. The dominant male can be recognized by its dark patch on the chest. Not to be confused by simply having a dark chest, as this is not a patch, it is simply their dark skin shining through the fur.

The other males are called "clean-chested". Groups are usually peaceful where everybody knows their place, except for during the breeding season, where the dominant male may be challenged.