The ruffed lemur is a group of lemurs belonging to the genus Varecia. They are native to the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, an island country located off the southeastern coast of Africa. Here’s a description of their distribution:

1. Madagascar: Ruffed lemurs are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. Within Madagascar, they inhabit the eastern rainforests, including humid lowland and montane forests. Some of the key regions where ruffed lemurs are found include the Masoala Peninsula, Ranomafana National Park, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, and Marojejy National Park.

Ruffed lemurs are known for their distinctive coloration, which includes a thick, luxurious coat of fur in various shades of black, white, and rust-orange. They have a ruff of fur around their neck, which gives them their name.

These lemurs are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the trees. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diet of fruits, leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects and small vertebrates.

Ruffed lemurs are highly social animals, often living in small family groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. They communicate using vocalizations, scent marking, and body language.

Despite being native to Madagascar, ruffed lemurs are considered threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by deforestation, logging, agriculture, and human settlement. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitat and ensure their survival for future generations. This includes the establishment of protected areas, community-based conservation initiatives, and research to better understand their ecology and behavior.