LAUGHTER

Red variants can make very loud noises that can often be heard from several kilometers away.
With these sounds, they tell each other different messages. For example, they let conspecifics know that there is danger. They also let nearby vari's know that the area is already occupied. Finally, they call each other when they can no longer see each other in the dense forests.

Five to twelve

Due to various causes, red vari's are seriously threatened with extinction. The vari's in zoos may become very important for the continued existence of the species in the future. European and American zoos are therefore working hard to establish a healthy reserve population. The ultimate goal is a breeding station in Madagascar with animals from zoos. The young that are born will be released into the wild when they are big enough.

Busy bee

Red vari's eat a lot of nectar and pollen from flowers. When the flowers bloom, vari's stick their noses deep into the flower to lick out the nectar. All the pollen then remains on their noses. When they go to the next flower, they take that pollen with them. This is how they ensure that fruits can grow. So just like the bee in the Netherlands.

Prosimians

The red vari is a half-monkey, and therefore not a true monkey. The difference is mainly in its smaller brain. These are less well developed than in apes, such as chimpanzees. Because real apes are competitors, almost all prosimians live mostly at night. Their eyes are also adapted to this. No real monkeys live on Madagascar, which is why the vari's, as well as the ring-tailed lemurs, live mostly during the day.

Want to know more about IUCN status or the EEP? Click here.