Silky Sifaka

The reproductive system of this species is insufficiently explored. However, it is believed to largely depend on the social structure of a given community, since the Silky sifakas live in various units such as multi-male and/or multi-female groups, mixed groups or all-male groups. Hence, different groups of these lemurs may have either polygynous (each male has numerous mates) or monogamous (each individual has only one mate) reproductive systems. They are likely to have a very short mating period of a few days, occurring between November and January. Most births take place in June-July. Females usually give birth at intervals of 1 - 2 years. Gestation period lasts for 6 months, yielding a single infant, which will cling to the belly of its mother. Then, by 4 weeks old, the baby begins riding on the back of its mother. It will stay close to its mother, sleeping with her until becoming mature. Meanwhile, community members typically help the female to rear its offspring by carrying, nursing, grooming and playing with the infant.