Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Ruffed Lemur
Varecia variegata
| — | English Translation: Varegated Lemur | — |
Home of the Ruffed Lemur
Black and white ruffed lemurs are only found in Eastern Madagascar. They live in forest habitats. They are tree dwellers and are the most arboreal of the true lemurs.
Appearance
Lemurs have long, soft, thick fur and are famous for the variation of pattern. The Ruffed Lemur being the largest living member of the Lemur group, has a thick, black and white coat.
Fun Facts
As frugivores, these lemurs play a role in fruit seed dispersal. To the extent that they serve as prey for other animals, mainly the foosa, boa constrictor, and eagles, they may also influence local food webs. They are the only lemur known to have litters.
Social Structure
In the wild, troops contain 2 to 5 individuals, and are thought to contain a mated pair and their young.
Behavior
This type of lemur has a distinct and raucous territorial group call, along with other vocalizations for alarm or greeting.
CWPZOO has kept and bred this very endangered animal since the mid 1970's in cooperation with Duke University and San Diego Zoo. Over a dozen surviving young have been born here. Many have been loaned elsewhere
this page online
Erected by Catoctin Wildlife Preserve.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine.
Location. 39° 35.436′ N, 77° 25.9′ W. Marker is in Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. It can be reached from Catoctin Furnace Road 0.6 miles north of Kellys Store Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13019D Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont MD 21788, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Australian Wetland Birds (a few steps from this marker); Dingo
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 17, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
