From 1989 to 1998, 204 live births were recorded for ring-tailed lemurs (
Lemur catta) at Berenty, Madagascar. Excluding unknown birth dates, the peak month of birth was September, with 82.0% (146/178) occurring
during this period. The offspring sex ratio (1∶1.19) was not significantly different from 1∶1, and there was no association
with the mother's age. The first births occurred at the ages of 2 to 4 yr. The annual birth rate was very low at the age of
2 yr (11.1%), but increased thereafter: to 50.0% at the age of 3 yr, and to 75–85% at the age of 4 or more years. Multiple
births were very rare, since only three sets of twins and one set of triplets were recorded. As for the interbirth interval,
a one-year interval was the most common (92.2%). Infant mortality within the first year was 37.7% (77/204). Neonatal mortality
within the first month accounted for 31.2% of all infant dealths.
Key Words Ring-tailed lemurs - Season of births - Age-specific fecundity - Interbirth intervals - Infant mortality