Golden bamboo lemur

The golden bamboo lemur (Hapalemur aureus) is a medium-sized bamboo lemur endemic to south-eastern Madagascar. As the largest member of Hapalemur and the second largest bamboo lemur, H. aureus females have average head-body lengths 395 millimeters (15.6 in) with 410 mm (16 in) tails, while males average 34 cm (13 in) with 37 cm (15 in) tails. Body weights range between 1 and 2.5 kg (2.2 and 5.5 lb), with females averaging 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) and males typically weighing 1.66 kilograms (3.7 lb). The golden bamboo lemur is identifiable by its pelage; the face is wreathed by golden fur, with the body being pale orange on the back and golden on the front. The tail is long and bush, darkening towards the tip. A brachial gland is present on the forelimbs, which secretes a pungent exudate. The golden bamboo lemur maintains a folivorous diet consisting primarily of Madagascar giant bamboo (Cathariostachys madagascariensis). Adults consume about 500 g (18 oz) of cyanide each day, which is about 12 times the lethal dose of the substance in most animals of comparable body sizes. Its ability to consume plants with high levels of cyanide that are not desired by other, sympatric bamboo lemurs allows it to practice resource partitioning with congeners. It lives in small social groups that typically consist of 3–4 individuals that maintain home ranges of up to 30 hectares (74 acres) in size, although this varies between locations. It has a sparse distribution with low population densities, and is arboreal. The golden bamboo lemur is classified as a critically endangered species by the IUCN Red List, and is listed under CITES Appendix I. Habitat loss poses an existential threat to the species, as it relies on bamboo forests that are deforested for use in construction, basket-making, and for slash and burn agriculture. Individuals are sometimes killed in snare traps set by poachers. Conservation efforts are underway, with bamboo groves being replanted in some parts of the species' range.

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