Social Behavior
A group of ringtailed lemurs cautiously approach a forest stream for a drink. Click image for larger version.
Ringtail groups are larger than any other lemur group, containing up to 24 animals (the DLC has two large free-ranging groups of these animals, each containing about ten individuals).
There is a well-defined hierarchy within the group. Females are dominant over all males with the alpha female forming the focal point for the group as a whole. Females live in one group their entire lives, while males migrate from group to group.
When ringtailed troops travel throughout their home range, they keep their tails raised in the air, like flags, to keep group members together. Constant vocalizations among members also keep the group together. Ringtailed lemurs are one of the most vocal primates. They have several different alarm calls to alert members of their group to potential danger.