One of Madagascar’s emblems, the indri indri is the first species to come to mind when it comes to lemurs. Recognizable by its white and black coat but also by its size (60 to 75 cm for a weight varying between 6 and 7 kg), the indri indri or Babakôto (literally father of Kôto in Malagasy) lives on the east coast of Madagascar where he finds the vegetation necessary for his food. Like many lemurs, Babakotos live in groups. Groups are usually composed of families spread over two to three generations. These groups are dominated by adult females: they have access to the most delicate leaves and are less likely to have to groom than males. It should be noted that once sexual maturity is reached (between 7 and 9 years old) the indri indri finds his partner and he will not change until after his death. They can stay from 25 to just under 40 years with the same partner.
If you haven’t heard it yet, the indri indri has beautiful songs they are powerful and with a dazzling resonance and projection force. His songs are often sung in groups, they help to improve internal cohesion but also to inform other groups of their presence. Sometimes they indicate possible intrusions or threats (hawks, planes, other groups…) but also inform about the reproductive possibilities of its members.
To hear the indri indri, you have to be near a forest, a park and then simply listen when it appears. Indri indri roar frequently during the morning, usually between 7am and 11am and during the breeding season (December to March) their vocalizations are extremely common.