Both vocal and scent signals are important to the Ring-tailed Lemur’s communication: fifteen distinct vocalisations are used to maintain group cohesion during foraging and alert group members to the presence of a predator. The stripy tail is used as a flag when they are walking on the ground, held aloft where others can see. The tail is also used in “stink fights” where the animals rub their tails against scent glands on their arms and wave them over their heads at the opponent. Lemurs have longer and more sensitive noses than other primates. This also suggests that smell is an important way of communicating with them.
