Eulemur flavifrons

Blue-eyed Black Lemur (scientific name: Eulemur flavifrons) is known as Blue-eyed Black Lemur in English. It was confirmed as an independent species in 2010.

Blue-eyed Black Lemur was previously considered a subspecies of Black Lemur. All its scientific names used to be Eulemur macaco subspecies flavifrons (Gray, 1867). Considering the consistency of morphological differences between the black-eyed lemur and the blue-eyed lemur, the retention of this classification is inappropriate. The genetic pair count between the blue-eyed lemur and the black lemur is 68-72 pairs, which is in the same range between the subspecies (29-90 pairs, according to Pastorini 2000). Some earlier authors believed that there is a geographical gradient of variation in subspecies traits, in a relatively large area at the border of its distribution (Meyers et al., 1989, Rabarivola et al., 1991). But recent investigations have shown that the area of hybridization between the two groups is limited to the northeast of the distribution of the blue-eyed lemur (Andrianjakarivelo 2004; Schwitzer et al. 2005, 2006). Based on these findings, and with the restoration of the consistent classification of the genus Lemur, the blue-eyed black lemur was proposed by Mittermaier et al. to be a fully independent species. (2008, 2010).

Blue-eyed black lemurs live in groups of 4-15, usually led by older females. They are territorial and aggressive. They mainly feed on fruits, pollen, and nectar. When food is scarce, they also eat leaves and insects. It helps pollinate plants to a certain extent.

Blue-eyed black lemurs are polygamous. Females reproduce in June and July each year, giving birth to 1-2 pups per litter, with a gestation period of 120-129 days. The pups are weaned after 5-6 months, sexually mature at 2 years old, and have a lifespan of 15-30 years.

Listed in the 2012 Red List of Endangered Species of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) ver3.1 - Critically Endangered (CR).

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Distributed in the northwest of Madagascar, Sambirano River, Diego Province. They mainly live in the humid tropical rainforests of Madagascar, and some prefer to live in dry areas.

The blue-eyed black lemur is the size of a domestic cat. The total length is 90 cm-110 cm, the head and body length is 30-45 cm, and the tail length is 51-65 cm; the weight is 2-2.5 kg. The male's hair is black, and some are slightly dark brown; it has black tufted ears, light blue and bean-like round eyes, and the female's back and head are reddish brown, the face is light brown, the chest, abdomen and limbs are pale, the tail is dark chestnut, the ears are wide, and there are white tufts, which extend to the cheeks as they age.