Species profile
About this species
The common brown lemur is a medium-sized primate native to Madagascar & the Comoros islands, recognised by its reddish-brown to grey-brown fur & pale face with darker markings around the eyes. It is a cathemeral species, meaning it can be active during both day & night, which makes it relatively accessible for observation. It lives in social groups & is highly arboreal, spending most of its time moving through the forest canopy.
Tropical & subtropical moist broadleaf forests in north-western & eastern Madagascar, as well as introduced populations on the Comoros islands. They favour primary & secondary forest edges & are often found in areas with abundant fruiting trees.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Common brown lemur with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning hours offer the best combination of soft light & animal activity. The dry season from April to October is generally ideal for visiting Madagascar, as vegetation is less dense & visibility through the canopy is improved.
Use a telephoto lens of at least 300mm to capture detailed portraits without disturbing the group. Shoot in burst mode when the lemurs are moving through branches to increase your chances of a sharp, well-composed frame. Position yourself near fruiting trees in the early morning when the light is soft & the animals are most active at canopy level.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Common brown lemur
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.