Seeing sifakas!
When it comes to a certain animal, it’s likely you will hear the sifaka before you see it! Pronounced “see-fahk,” this large lemur gets its name from the sounds it makes to talk to its group members: “See-fahk, see-fahk, see-fahk.”
Made in Madagascar
There are 9 species of sifakas, and they live in Madagascar. The largest type of sifakas, which weigh about 13 pounds, are found in the eastern rain forests. Their smaller relatives weigh about 7 pounds and live in western and southern regions.
Social primates
Sifakas measure about 18 inches long from their wet, dog-like nose to their bottom. And when you add their tail, they’re twice that long! Sifakas are primates—relatives of monkeys and apes. These social animals live in small groups in trees, where they use their strong hind legs to support themselves on the branches.
The sifakas’ powerful legs and feet come in quite handy when they are leaping from tree to tree or hopping along the ground. They hold their arms over their heads to help keep their balance. So now you know all about the sifaka—from head to toe!
