Indriidae

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A family of large, arboreal primates found in Madagascar, known for their long legs and distinctive vocalizations
2. This group of mammals includes various species, often recognized by their fur patterns and social behaviors
3. Members of this family typically inhabit forested areas and are known for their unique method of locomotion, leaping between trees

Etymology: The family takes its name from the indri, the largest living lemur, which is found only in the rainforests of Madagascar. The commonly repeated account traces the name to the Malagasy "indry," an exclamation meaning roughly "look!" or "there they are!" According to this story, outside visitors asked locals what the animal was called and were answered with the call, which they took as its name. The family name is formed in the standard zoological way: the genus name Indri plus the suffix "-idae," which marks a taxonomic family. Indriids include the indri and the sifakas, and their name reflects the genus that gave the group its label.

Synonyms: indris, indri lemurs