and is the lemur. A lemur is in the category of primates along with monkeys, apes, and humans. However, Lemurs are part of a sub-branch called prosimians, while humans and other types of monkeys are located in the anthropoid branch. A major distinguishing feature in prosimians is the inability to use their digits (fingers) the same way other primates do, and that females play the dominant role in the family. One other difference in prosimians is they have a moist nose used to detect what is good and bad. At one point in time Madagascar was reported to have had over 50 endemic species of these lemurs living on the island. Unfortunately with the arrival of humans the lemur number is down drastically. Also due to the extensive amount of crop burnings these lemurs and other species of animals have nowhere to find shelter and seek food. Now that only 10% of the forests remain this becomes harder and harder for animals to survive with humans. Some odd 16 species of lemurs have been found to be extinct and it is reported that only about 33 endemic species of lemurs exist on the island today. Some of the lemurs that have been found in fossils are some of the strangest creatures ever found. One of the most unique skeletons of a lemur found was the size of our modern day gorilla. This is such a great discovery since all lemurs existing now are no bigger than that of a normal rhesus monkey. These gargantuan sized lemurs were not killed by a lack of habitat, but by poachers and hunters. No one knows for sure why this species has been killed off but many believe that it was either for amusement or because of fear. On the island another species is very unique to the island. This is the chameleon. The chameleon is a very unique form of lizard. What is so special about it is the chameleon’s ability to change colors depending on mood or temperature changes. Contrary to the popular belief chameleons do not change colors for camou...
