Key Information
Sloth Lemurs
| Species | Archaeoindris fontoynontii, Babakotia radofilai, Mesopropithecus dolichobrachion, Mesopropithecus globiceps, Mesopropithecus pithecoides, Palaeopropithecus ingens, Palaeopropithecus maximus, Palaeopropithecus kelyus |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Height (to shoulder) | 2 ft 6 inch (?) to 5 ft 11 inches (?) |
| Weight | 22 to 350 lb |
| Lifespan | Unknown |
| Classification | Mammalia > Primates > Palaeopropithecidae |
| Conservation Status | Extinct |
| Habitat | Forests |
Learning Point
- Sloth Lemurs were apes that ranged from just bigger than modern lemurs, right up to the size of gorillas and possibly larger. They lived on the island of Madagascar, and the last of them became extinct about 400 years ago.
Project
- Draw one of the Sloth Lemurs in the trees.
- Overview
- X-Ray
Location
| Places | Madagascar (Map of Mesopropithecus) |
Fun Facts
- They’re called Sloth Lemurs because they resemble lemurs, but many seemed to have spent a part of their time upside down like sloths.
- The smallest, Mesopropithecus, were slightly larger than modern lemurs.
- The largest, Archaeoindris, may have been as big or bigger than gorillas, though we don’t have complete skeletons to work from to be certain.
- It is thought hunting by the local people were the reason that they became extinct.
Past Lessons
| 76 | April 26, 2023 | (North America) |