Are lemurs monkeys?
Who exactly are lemurs? Excellent question! When we talk about primates, many people immediately think of monkeys… They are often confused with lemurs, yet they are very different. So why? And why are lemurs found only in Madagascar, even though they are also primates? Lemurs are indeed primates and placental mammals, but they belong to a completely unique branch, one that exists nowhere else in the world. Madagascar is also the second country in the world in terms of primate diversity, with no fewer than 112 species of lemurs, just behind Brazil. This is what makes Madagascar an exceptional destination: observing lemurs in their natural habitat is an experience you cannot have anywhere else.
Monkeys and lemurs are therefore very different: morphology, behavior, habitat… everything sets them apart. And it is this difference that makes Madagascar so special. Unlike monkeys, which have flatter faces and features more reminiscent of humans, lemurs are recognized by their longer faces. Their body shapes vary according to their lifestyle: some are agile and light to move through the trees, while others are a bit more sturdy to live on the ground. It is precisely this physical difference that makes encountering lemurs so unique. In Madagascar, you can discover animals with a truly unique appearance: large expressive eyes, surprising postures, and a natural elegance found in no other primate.
What makes lemurs more attractive than monkeys?
Lemurs are unique in the world
Monkeys can be seen in many countries: Indonesia, Brazil, Africa, Tanzania… But when it comes to lemurs, only one country in the world offers this exceptional opportunity: Madagascar. It is the only place where you can truly admire them in their natural habitat. The rarer something is, the more it attracts, and lemurs are the perfect example of this.
Each lemur species has its own behavior
We have discussed the number of lemur species endemic to Madagascar. Each one has its own unique behaviors, colors, and many surprises! There is no reason to be afraid of them. They sometimes love to jump onto our shoulders, walk around us, and even strike surprising poses that make us laugh and marvel. Hahaha, it’s truly a show not to be missed!