For over 50 years, primatologists have conducted studies in the wild on Madagascar's ring-tailed Lemur catta, one of the best-known primate species. These varied studies have covered topics ranging from behaviour to biology, ecology, genetics and palaeobiology. This Folia Primatologica special topic issue takes that research a step further by not only adding to our knowledge of L. catta in long-term dry forest study sites such as Bezà Mahafaly or Berenty, but by also discussing populations residing at high altitude and in different forest types, namely limestone spiny, rocky-outcrop rupicolous or anthropogenically disturbed coastal habitats. The contributors comprise not only long-established experts in this field, but also a new generation of scientists dedicated to furthering our understanding of this important primate species. In addition to exploring behavioural ecological aspects in detail, this issue also offers an update on ring-tailed lemur life history, morphology, genetics and cognition.