The Indri of Madagascar

The indri is a large lemur native to Madagascar's forests and climbs trees upright.

Unlike other living lemurs, the indri has only a rudimentary tail. Its long muscular legs propel it between trunks. Leg day is non-negotiable.

Indri songs last from 45 seconds to over 3 minutes.

Indris practice long-term monogamy, seeking a new partner only after a mate dies. They live in small family groups.

This lemur society is female dominant. The leading female displaces males to lower branches and poorer feeding grounds. She keeps the better branches for herself.

Infants cling to the mother's belly until four or five months old. Then they move onto her back.

Groups sing almost every day, up to seven times daily. Peak singing hours are between 7 and 11 am.

Malagasy legends say the first indris were a lost father and son transformed in the forest.