American koala lemur

The American koala lemur (Psudeomegaladapis arctos) is a species of adapiform primate, despite its name, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American koala lemur is built similarly to a koala, with a rather squat body and hands and feet adapted for clinging onto branches. The American koala lemur is a rather large adapiform primate, with the largest individuals measuring around 1.5 meters (4.11 feet) in length. Its skull shape resembles that of a cow, with eyes on the sides of its head, a long snout, and powerful chewing jaw muscles for processing its diet consisting primarily of tough leaves, although it can also feed on fruits and nuts. It also has a very unusual nose for a primate, with an enlarged prehensile upper lip used for grasping foliage, similar to those of rhinos. Because they get so little energy from their diet, American koala lemurs must limit their energy use and sleep or rest 20 hours a day. They are predominantly active at night and spend most of their waking hours feeding. They typically eat and sleep in the same tree, possibly for as long as a day. On very hot days, the American koala lemur may climb down to the coolest part of the tree which is cooler than the surrounding air. The American koala lemur hugs the tree to lose heat without panting. On warm days, the American koala lemur may rest with its back against a branch or lie on its stomach or back with its limbs dangling. During cold, wet periods, it curls itself into a tight ball to conserve energy. On windy days, the American koala lemur finds a lower, thicker branch on which to rest. While it spends most of the time in the tree, the animal descends to the ground to move to another tree, walking on all fours. The American koala lemur usually grooms itself with its back feet, but sometimes uses its hands or mouth. American koala lemurs are asocial animals and spend just 15 minutes a day on social behaviours. In some parts of their range, home ranges are small and have extensive overlap, while in other ranges they are larger and overlap less. American koala lemur society consists of "residents" and "transients", the former being mostly adult females and the latter males. Resident males appear to be territorial and dominate others with their larger body size. Alpha males tend to establish their territories close to breeding females, while younger males are subordinate until they mature and reach full size. Adult males occasionally venture outside their home ranges; when they do so, dominant ones retain their status. When a male enters a new tree, he marks it by rubbing his chest gland against the trunk or a branch; males have occasionally been observed to dribble urine on the trunk. This scent-marking behaviour probably serves as communication, and individuals are known to sniff the base of a tree before climbing. Scent marking is common during aggressive encounters. Chest gland secretions are complex chemical mixtures that vary in composition and concentration with the season and the age of the individual. Adult males communicate with loud bellows, low pitched sounds that consist of snore-like inhalations and resonant exhalations that sound like growls. These sounds are thought to be generated by unique vocal organs found in American koala lemurs. Because of their low frequency, these bellows can travel far through air and vegetation. American koala lemurs may bellow at any time of the year, particularly during the breeding season, when it serves to attract females and possibly intimidate other males. They also bellow to advertise their presence to their neighbours when they enter a new tree. These sounds signal the male's actual body size, as well as exaggerate it; females pay more attention to bellows that originate from larger males. Female American koala lemurs bellow, though more softly, in addition to making snarls, wails, and screams. These calls are produced when in distress and when making defensive threats. Young American koala lemurs squeak when in distress. As they get older, the squeak develops into a "squawk" produced both when in distress and to show aggression. When another individual climbs over it, the American koala lemur makes a low grunt with its mouth closed. American koala lemurs make numerous facial expressions. When snarling, wailing, or squawking, the animal curls the upper lip and points its ears forward. During screams, the lips retract and the ears are drawn back. Females bring their lips forward and raise their ears when agitated. Agonistic behaviour typically consists of squabbles between individuals climbing over or passing each other. This occasionally involves biting. Males that are strangers may wrestle, chase, and bite each other. In extreme situations, a male may try to displace a smaller rival from a tree. This involves the larger aggressor climbing up and attempting to corner the victim, which tries either to rush past him and climb down or to move to the end of a branch. The aggressor attacks by grasping the target by the shoulders and repeatedly biting him. Once the weaker individual is driven away, the victor bellows and marks the tree. Pregnant and lactating females are particularly aggressive and attack individuals that come too close. In general, however, American koala lemurs tend to avoid energy-wasting aggressive behaviour. The conservation status of the American koala lemur is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American koala lemur's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.