The Chameleon Lemur: Propithecus coquereli

Propithecus coquereli, the Coquerel's sifaka, is a striking lemur native to northwestern Madagascar. With its creamy white coat and chestnut patches, it moves through the forest canopy with an elegance that has earned it comparisons to chameleons.

This species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is included in CITES Appendix I, meaning international trade is strictly prohibited except under exceptional circumstances CITES +2.

Arboreal by nature, the sifaka makes remarkable use of its body. Its long tail acts almost like a fifth extremity, aiding balance and coordination as it leaps between branches. Even at rest, sifakas often sit with tail coiled, echoing the posture of chameleons clinging to twigs.