Critically Endangered
Silky Simpona
(Propithecus candidus)
Madagascar Forests and Shrublands
STATISTICS
Length up to
54 cm
Weight up to
6.5 kgs
Lifespan
UNKNOWN
Excellent Climber - Communicates via Scent
The Silky Simpona is a large lemur characterised by long silky white fur and hairless pink or black face and ears. It is one of the rarest mammals on earth, and one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates. It spends most of its day feeding, resting, or engaging in social activities. It uses loud vocalisations and emits a strong scent for communication. This species’ diet is comprised mostly of tree, vine and plant species and females take feeding priority over males.
The Silky Simpona lives in groups of 2 – 9 individuals, often a male with a few females or a breeding pair. This species only mates on one day per year, and the baby is cared for by group members of all ages. The females usually only give birth to one baby every two years. Its only predator other than humans is the Fossa Cat.
BIODIVERSITY BENEFIT
Disperser of Seeds
THREATS
Illegal Logging
Illegal logging of hardwoods through slash-and-burn agriculture destroys habitat for this species.
Forest Fires
Illegal logging increases the chance of forest fires, further damaging habitat for this species.
Invasive Plant Species
Illegal logging helps invasive species take root, which outcompete the Silky Simpona's food sources.
Hunting
There is no cultural taboo against eating this species so subsistence hunting is prevalent.
PROTECT THE WILDARK 100
