Portal:Primates/Selected article/26

Fork-marked lemurs or fork-crowned lemurs are nocturnal strepsirrhine primates, with four species comprising the genus Phaner. Like all other lemurs, they are native to Madagascar. They are named for the two black stripes which run up from their eyes, converge on the top of their head, and run down the back as a single black stripe. Only one species (Phaner furcifer) was recognized until three new subspecies—described in 1991—were promoted to species status in 2001. New species may yet be identified, particularly in northeast Madagascar.

Fork-marked lemurs are among the least studied of all lemurs and are some of the largest members of the family Cheirogaleidae, weighing around 350 grams (0.77 lb) or more. Aside from their dorsal forked stripe, they have dark rings around their eyes, and large membranous ears. Males have a scent gland on their throat, but only use it during social grooming, not for marking territory. Instead, they are very vocal, making repeated calls at the beginning and end of the night. Males usually pair up with females to form monogamous pairs, and females are dominant. They sleep in tree holes and nests. Females are thought to have only one offspring every two years or more.

They live in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from dry deciduous forests to rainforests and run quadrupedally across branches. Their diet consists primarily of tree gum and other exudates, though they may also hunt small arthropods later at night. Three of the four species are endangered and the other is listed as vulnerable. Their populations are in decline due to habitat destruction. Like all other lemurs, they are protected against commercial trade under CITES Appendix I.