Males have a gray to brown dorsal coat which darkens as it reaches the hands, feet and base of the tail.

The nose, muzzle and face are black, with the surrounding area solid white or light gray.

Features that distinguish this species from the white-fronted brown lemur are the more prominent ear and cheek tufts.

In this species the hair around the ears and on the lower cheek is noticeably longer and has a 'spiked' appearance, while the white-fronted lemur males have a very rounded look to their tufts.

[citation needed] Female Sanford's brown lemurs have a gray-brown dorsal coat which darkens to gray around the shoulders and upper area of the back to the top of the head.

[citation needed] This species is found at the very northernmost tip of Madagascar, ranging from Antsiranana to Ampanakana.

[citation needed] Sanford's brown lemur troop sizes range from 3 to 15 individuals, numbers varying depending on location.

Primary threats to its survival are habitat loss due to logging and mining, but hunting is starting to become a significant problem as well.