Ring-tailed lemurs live in big family groups of about 15 to 30, led by the mum. Yes - in lemur families, the females are in charge. They decide where to find food, when to move on, and who eats first. The dads and uncles follow along behind.
Their famous striped tail is not just for looks. They use it to stay in touch when the group is moving through the forest - holding it up like a flag so everyone can see each other. They also use it to send messages, waving it slowly or wrapping it around their bodies.
Each morning, when the sun comes up, ring-tailed lemurs do something very funny. They sit up on a rock or branch, stretch their arms out wide, and turn their bellies to the sun. They look like tiny statues meditating. They are warming up after the chilly night.
Ring-tailed lemurs do not actually spend much time in trees compared with other lemurs. They walk on the ground a lot, often in long lines with their tails held straight up. People in Madagascar say a passing troop of ring-tails looks like a furry parade.

