Fat-tailed dwarf lemur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemur |
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The fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius) is a small, furry animal. It lives only on the island of Madagascar. It is a type of lemur, which are primates found nowhere else. This lemur is also known by other names. These include the lesser dwarf lemur or western fat-tailed dwarf lemur. It is famous for storing fat in its tail. This helps it survive when food is scarce.
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About the Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemur
The fat-tailed dwarf lemur is one of the smallest lemurs. An adult weighs about 160 grams (about 5.6 ounces). This is roughly the weight of a small apple. It has soft, gray-brown fur. Its belly is a lighter, creamy color. It has large eyes, which help it see in the dark. Its long tail can be thicker than its body. This is because it stores fat there.
Where It Lives
The fat-tailed dwarf lemur lives in the dry deciduous forests of western and southern Madagascar. These forests have trees that lose their leaves in the dry season. It also lives in spiny forests. These forests are full of thorny plants. The lemur spends most of its time in the trees. It uses its strong grip to move through the branches.
What It Eats
This lemur is a nocturnal animal. This means it is active at night. During the night, it searches for food. Its diet includes many different things. It eats insects like beetles and moths. It also eats other small animals. Fruits and flowers are also a big part of its diet. Sometimes, it drinks nectar from flowers.
Special Abilities
The fat-tailed dwarf lemur has a very special ability. It can go into a deep sleep called torpor or hibernation. This happens during the dry season, which lasts for about six to eight months. During this time, food and water are hard to find. The lemur finds a hollow tree or a safe spot. It then curls up and sleeps. It uses the fat stored in its tail for energy. This is similar to how a bear hibernates. It is the only known primate that truly hibernates for such a long time.
Life Cycle
Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs usually mate after they wake up from hibernation. This is typically around October or November. The female lemur gives birth to one to four babies. The babies are very small and helpless at birth. They grow quickly. The mother takes care of them in a nest. They are ready to live on their own after a few months. These lemurs can live for about 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Images for kids
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Cheirogaleus adipicaudatus
See also
In Spanish: Lémur enano de cola gruesa para niños
