Primate Watching
Primatology
Taxonomy & Occurrence
Indri indri is a monotypic species. Its geographic range extends along the eastern lowland and montane forest belt of Madagascar, as far south as the Anosibe an’ala Classified Forest and as far north as the Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve [1].
IUCN Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
The Indri is recognised by its trademark wailing calls which echo across its range. The largest lemur and a tremendous leaper, the Indri is one of the flagship primate species and a highlight of any visit to Madagascar.
Indri
© Thomas Martin
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar
Seeing this Species
The Indri varies in colour; from predominantly black, especially towards the northern extent of its range, to a pied black-and-white variant towards its southernmost range. Aside from its tell-tale vocalisations and size, the Indri is otherwise identified by its vertical clinging position, its stunted tail, and prominent, tufted ears.
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Toamasina Province, Madagascar
This is one of the most popular national parks in Madagascar, and is accessible from the small village of Andasibe on the tarred road of RN2, about 3 hours’ drive from the capital, Antananarivo. There are numerous hotels neighbouring the national park and a well-run park office, from where compulsory guides can be arranged. The national park is divided into two parcels: the smaller and more accessible Analamazaotra Special Reserve, and the much more expansive Mantadia National Park to the north.
There are various trails with numerous offshoots throughout both sections of the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The best time for seeing the Indri is early morning, between 7 am and 11 am, when the morning calls are at their most frequent [2]. Follow your ears! And look out for 11 other species of lemurs in this national park!
Probability of success: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◇
Overlapping species: Aye-aye, Black-&-white Ruffed Lemur, Common Brown Lemur, Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur, Diademed Sifaka, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur, Goodman’s Mouse Lemur, Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, Weasel Sportive Lemur
Other sites:
Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve
This reserve is home to 11 species of lemurs (one less than the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park)! But we have yet to visit this place. More information can be found at here.
Overlapping species: Aye-aye, Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Eastern Woolly Lemur, Greater Dwarf Lemur, Hairy-eared Dwarf Lemur, Red-bellied Lemur, Rufous Mouse Lemur, Silky Sifaka, Weasel Sportive Lemur, White-fronted Brown Lemur
Local contacts:
Entrance of the national park
© Thomas Martin
Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Madagascar
Indri
© Adam Hermans
Mitsinjo Reserve, Madagascar
References
[1] Powzyk J. & Thalmann U., 2003. Indri indri, indri. In: Goodman S.M. & Benstead J.P. (eds.), The natural history of Madagascar. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1342-1345
[2] Garbutt N., 2007. Mammals of Madagascar. A complete guide. A. & C. Black, London
Contributed by Luke Martin
Page Last Updated: 13 November 2016