Fat Tailed Dwarf Lemurs live in the west and south of Madagascar. They are found in the lower branches of both humid rainforests and drier monsoon forests. In areas that experience dry season, which is most of Madagascar, these lemurs sit out the dry spells in a dormant state. They build nests in tree hollows and survive on the fat stored in their tails.

At other times of the year, Fat Tailed Dwarf Lemurs are nocturnal foragers. They live alone and survive mainly on fruits, though they also eat petals, pollen and nectar. They also occassionally eat beetles and other insects.

During the wet season (October-March), the lemurs build up a supply of fat in their long tails. The tail triples in size at points by the beginning of the dry season. While lying dormant through the dry season, the lemur loses about 40 per cent of its body weight.

This species breeds in the wet season. They form monogamous pairs. The female is receptive for about 20 days and is pregnant for 62 days. Most litters are made up of twins, although three or four young are not uncommon.

Habitat: Tropical rainforests and drier monsoon forests

Food: Fruits, flowers, nectar and pollen (occassional insects)

Life Span: 15 years

Status: Endangered

Breeding: Mating takes place in wet season and twins are born in January. Pairs produce litters each year