Species profile
About this species
The Boky, also known as the silky sifaka, is a large lemur native to Madagascar, recognised for its striking white fur & gentle disposition. It is one of the rarest mammals on Earth, with a critically endangered status due to habitat loss & hunting. This species is known for its unique form of locomotion, leaping between vertical tree trunks with remarkable agility.
Montane rainforests in the Marojejy & Anjanaharibe-Sud regions of north-eastern Madagascar, typically found at elevations between 700 & 1,875 metres
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Boky 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 between 6am & 10am, particularly during the dry season from April to October when vegetation is less dense & visibility is improved
Position yourself quietly at the forest edge during early morning when sifakas are most active & feeding in the canopy. Use a telephoto lens of at least 300mm to capture detail without disturbing the animals, & ensure your shutter speed is fast enough to freeze their leaping movements. Shoot in burst mode to catch mid-leap action shots, as these lemurs move quickly & unpredictably between trees.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Boky
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.
