Flying Lemur spotted
Guests of our in-house guide, Danny Beh, very kindly forwarded us their close up photos of a flying lemur. It was spotted on the Spice Terraces on a tree behind the bunga kantan.
Flying lemurs are actually not lemurs at all and they don’t fly – how much more misleading can it be! So firstly, let’s clarify what a lemur is. Lemurs are primates and actually evolutionary predecessors to monkeys and apes. There are nearly 60 types of lemurs and are naturally occurring in Madagascar although some have been introduced to neighbouring islands.
And this flying lemur Galeopterus variegatus, doesn’t fly but glides as it leaps from tree top to tree top. They are arboreal creatures [live and feed on tree tops] and also become active at night only.
Malayan Flying Lemur on Spice Terrace #1`
They are not an endangered species but the forest is their home, and protecting their home would certainly be in our interest. Nonetheless they are great little guys to have around and always a joy to spot them. Which really isn’t that often!
So thanks to John Tilyard for sending in these shots!
Flying Lemur looking a bit shy!
Oct 21st, 2011 at 5:27 pm
The second & third picture the lemur must be saying “Hey just because I’m a bit slow you can get your good shot, just wait for my poof-poof, before you can say “smile you are on candid camera” it will be landing on your head.
But actually lemurs can be a bit faster moving if they want to like when getting away from danger otherwise why should they move in haste, the beautiful jungle is there for them to take it slow and enjoy it naturally. Maybe we humans should do that too, slow down and enjoy god given treasures on earth.
Oct 22nd, 2011 at 9:47 am
thanks Major – another timely reminder to slow and down and smell the flowers. we are truly blessed!
Nov 18th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
Awesome, this is the first time I see a flying lemur giving you a stare. Beautiful shot. this is what I called the pictures tells a thousand words.
I think the lemur is saying, I stop for you…cos I know you have not seen one so close. ha ha
Chandra
Nov 19th, 2011 at 11:57 am
yeah i agree – we are so lucky to have had him look at us
tee hee