Sifaka Lemurs: All Types of Sifakas are only found in Madagascar

The mesmerizing world of Madagascar's unique biodiversity wilth most unique and enchanting creatures "the Sifakas". These incredible primates, known for their charismatic nature and acrobatic skills, come in a variety of types and species. In this post, we will introduce you to all species and subspecies of sifakas.

What is Sifakas:

Sifaka is a type of lemur belonging to the genus Propithecus in the family Indriidae of the primate group. There are nine subspecies of sifaka within the genus Propithecus. Like other lemurs, the sifaka is found only on the island of Madagascar. 

All Nine Types of Sifakas

01. Diademed Sifaka

Diademed Sifaka

Common Name: Diademed Sifaka, or Diademed Simpona,

Scientific Name: Propithecus diadema

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Weight: 6.4 kg (Female), 2.3 kg (Male) 

Diademed sifakas are known for their striking appearance, with a white face, black crown, and a dark "diadem" or crown-like pattern across their forehead. They have a silky, long, and dense coat. They are arboreal and primarily inhabit the eastern rainforests of Madagascar.

02. Milne-Edwards's Sifaka

Milne-Edwards's Sifaka

Common Name: Milne-Edwards's Sifaka, or Milne-Edwards's Simpona

Scientific Name: Propithecus edwardsi

Conservation Status: Endangered

Weight: 4.8 kg (Male), 3.3 kg (Female)

Milne-Edwards's sifaka, named after French zoologist Alphonse Milne-Edwards, is recognized for its silky, white fur with brown or grey patches on its back. They are primarily found in eastern Madagascar's rainforests. They are known for their distinctive, upright posture while feeding and moving through the trees.

03. Silky Sifaka

Silky Sifaka

Common Name: Silky Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus Candidus

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Weight: 6.5 kg (Male), 5 kg (Female)

Silky sifakas are among the rarest of all lemurs. They have striking, silky white fur and are known for their graceful, slow movements through the trees. They are found in the northeastern rainforests of Madagascar and are among the rarest primates in the world.

04. Perrier's Sifaka

Perrier's Sifaka

Common Name: Perrier's Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus perrieri

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Weight: 7kg (Male), 6 kg (Female)

Perrier's sifakas are recognized by their dark faces, long fur, and a patch of white fur on the back of their necks. They inhabit the mountainous regions of northern Madagascar and have a relatively restricted range.

05. Coquerel's Sifaka

Coquerel's Sifaka

Common Name: Coquerel's Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus coquereli

Conservation Status: Endangered

Weight: 5kg (Male), 4.2 kg (Female)

Coquerel's sifaka is easily identifiable by its striking coloration, with orange or reddish-brown patches on its body and limbs. They inhabit dry deciduous forests in the north and northwest of Madagascar.

06. Verreaux's Sifaka

Verreaux's Sifaka

Common Name: Verreaux's Sifaka, or White Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus verreauxi

Conservation Status: Endangered

Weight: 4kg (Male), 3.6 kg (Female)

Verreaux's sifakas have a predominantly white body with black fur on their faces and extremities. They are known for their acrobatic leaping through the trees and are found in various regions of Madagascar, including the southwestern part of the island.

07. Von der Decken's Sifaka

Von der Decken's Sifaka

Common Name: Von der Decken's Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus deckenii

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Weight: 5kg (Male), 4kg (Female)

These sifakas have a unique appearance, with predominantly gray fur and a white crown on their heads. They are named after the German explorer Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken and are primarily found in the northern regions of Madagascar.

08. Crowned Sifaka

Crowned Sifaka

Common Name: Crowned Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus coronatus

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Weight: 3.5-4.5  (Male), 3.5-5.0  (Female)

The crowned sifaka has a regal appearance with a crown of fur on its head and a white body with dark patches. They inhabit the montane rainforests of northeastern Madagascar.

09. Golden-Crowned Sifaka

Golden-crowned Sifaka

Common Name: Golden-Crowned Sifaka or Tattersall's Sifaka

Scientific Name: Propithecus tattersalli

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

Weight: 3.5kg (Male), 3.5kg (Female)

Golden-crowned sifakas are known for their golden-orange crown and distinctive black face. They are found in the high-altitude rainforests of northeastern Madagascar and are critically endangered due to habitat loss.

These sifaka species are all unique and fascinating lemurs that are native to Madagascar. Unfortunately, many of them are at risk of extinction due to various threats, including habitat destruction and hunting. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these remarkable primates.