National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
western fork-marked lemur, pale fork-marked lemur
Regions
MadagascarBotswanaSouth Africa
Population
4,000
Habitat
dry, deciduous forests of western Madagascar
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
300–500 grams (0.7–1... and 8–12 years in the wild
Regions
Madagascar, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe
The Pale Fork-marked Lemur (Phaner pallescens) is a small, nocturnal primate known for its distinct “forked” marking running from its eyes up to the crown of its head. It has a pale gray-brown coat with a bushy tail and large, round eyes adapted for night vision. Weighing between 300 and 500 grams, this lemur relies on tree sap and gum for sustenance, gouging tree bark with its specialized lower incisors. Primarily found in the western dry forests of Madagascar, the Pale Fork-marked Lemur uses tree hollows for daytime shelter and is adapted to dry forest environments, although it faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
