Singing lemurs may use a soprano-like trick to project songs

Singing lemurs may use a soprano-like trick to project songs

When an opera singer reaches for a high note, a subtle shift in the shape of the mouth and throat can make the sound carry farther. ​New research shows that one of Madagascar's most unusual animals — a singing lemur — may be doing something similar high in the rainforest canopy.

Lemurs hit the high notes like opera sopranos

Singing indri lemurs use opera technique, study finds

University of Warwick scientists have spent years studying indri lemurs.

Singing lemur opens its mouth wider on higher notes like a soprano

The world's only singing lemur uses special techniques shared with the very best opera singers, according to a new study.

Opera singers and shrieking lemurs share vocalization strategies

With piercing, emergency siren-like calls, the indri (Indri indri) is the world’s only known singing lemur. The primates found in Madagascar’s rainforest swing through the trees, making these sounds that contain a surprisingly human element.  To hit those high notes, indris appear to deploy a technique similar to human opera singers. The lemurs coordinate their mouth opening with their songs—the higher the pitch of the song, the wider they open …