It has greyish brown fur and white ear tufts, and has a head-body length of around 1.5 ft (46 cm).

Protection from predators, avoiding parasite vectors, and enhanced thermoregulation are three theories that are not mutually exclusive to explain the selection of sleeping location.

As a result, the lemurs must maintain a secure sleeping environment, such as tree holes and constructed nests.

[13] It feeds almost exclusively on the bamboo species of Cathariostachys madagascariensis, preferring the shoots but also eating the pith and leaves.

[15] The greater bamboo lemur (Hapalemur simus), is one of the world's most critically endangered primates, according to the IUCN Red List.

The reason for the endangerment is climate change and human activities which depleted the primary food source (bamboo).

The species is endangered by the following: slash and burn farming, mining, bamboo, and other logging, and slingshot hunting.