Red ruffed lemurs have a narrow snout with small back ears that are sometimes hidden by their long fur.

The lower incisors (front teeth) and the claw on the second toe of the hind foot are specially adapted for this behavior.

[6] Red ruffed lemurs will sometimes form large groups during the wet season when food is plentiful.

This is unusual behavior as most other diurnal lemurs will stay together and forage in large groups even during the dry season.

Individuals out in the forest communicate through loud booming calls, which can be heard over considerable distances.

[4] Unlike all other diurnal primates,[6] females keep their infants in nests 10–20 m (33–66 ft) above the forest floor, made with twigs, leaves, vines, and fur.

Ruffed lemurs are also the only primates with litters of young, and, after a gestation period of 102 days, the female may give birth to up to six, although two or three is more typical.

In the few days after she gives birth, if the mother needs to leave the nest, the father will stand guard.

Logging, burning of habitat, cyclones, mining, hunting, and the illegal pet trade are primary threats.

[1] Illegal logging for valuable tropic hardwoods, such as rosewood, is a particular threat, and linked to political instability.

The population of red ruffed lemurs is directed by a Species Survival Plan.

To prevent inbreeding, wild caught animals have been introduced to the captive breeding program.