Mating systems of lemurs

Lemurs, a unique primate lineage exclusive to Madagascar, display mating systems encountered across primates and mammals alike, ranging from polygynandrous mating to polygyny and monogamy. However, lemurs demonstrate many unique characteristics which differentiate them from non-Malagasy primates. These include female dominance, a lack of sexual dimorphism, a preponderance of monogamous species, strict breeding seasons, high infant mortality, and sperm competition alongside male-male competition. These and other idiosyncratic traits have been termed the “lemur syndrome” and are believed to have arisen in response to Madagascar’s harsh and unpredictable environment. These traits, as well as examples of lemur species mating systems, are discussed herein.