[5] Together with the red ruffed lemur, they are the largest extant members of the family Lemuridae, ranging in length from 100 to 120 cm (3.3 to 3.9 ft) and weighing between 3.1 and 4.1 kg (6.8 and 9.0 lb).

[5] It is unusual in that it exhibits several reproductive traits typically found in small, nocturnal lemurs, such as a short gestation period, large litters and rapid maturation.

Together with the red ruffed lemur, the species is the largest extant member of the family Lemuridae, ranging in length from 100 to 120 cm (3.3 to 3.9 ft) and weighing between 3.1 and 4.1 kg (6.8 and 9.0 lb).

[14] Black-and-white ruffed lemurs demonstrate the rare behavior of female social dominance both within and outside the context of feedings.

Reproductive females need more access to food because of the costs of carrying and caring for offspring which is why they establish this feeding priority.

[19] Parenting in this species of lemurs is unique in that no single infant is invested in but instead, females bear litters of multiple offspring.

Males exhibit testicular enlargement as they mature, which gradually increases over the months leading to their breeding window.

When females become sexually mature and enter estrus during the breeding season, their vaginas begin to open slightly, starting with a small pink dot and line, which is easily visible because the skin around the vulva is black.

Gestation lasts an average of 102.5 days and typically results in a litter of 2–6 offspring that are unable to cling to their mother, as in other primates.

[11][10][12] The numbers of black-and-white ruffed lemurs are on a steep downward trend, dropping 80% in the 21 years before 2020, the equivalent to three generations.

[1] The Vasey studies in 2003 indicated that Nosy Mangabe is the most densely populated area of black and white ruffed lemurs.

Since they are comparatively large to other species of lemurs they are hunted as bushmeat by poachers and village men who are looking to feed their families.

A total of 13 individuals that were born in human care in the United States were released at the Betampona Reserve, which is in their native range in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar.

[28][29][30] Prior to being released, individuals were selected by the ruffed lemur Species Survival Plan based on genetic information, health status, life history, and behavioral traits.

[31] All of the individuals underwent a "boot camp" program prior to release that gave the lemurs experience in a free-range naturally wooded environment.

[32] During this time, the lemurs were able to improve their physical abilities in a forest canopy as well as forage for naturally growing food.

[31] Once released into the wild, the animals each had radio transmitting collars, to aid in the research and monitoring possibilities post-release.

[31] At least 5 of the released individuals were killed by fossa, a native predator of lemurs, including a breeding pair that had previously raised triplets.