Madagascar’s Primates
Three New Species of Mouse Lemurs Discovered!
The unpredictable landscapes of Madagascar offer numerous hiding spots for all kinds of creatures. They live in dark and inaccessible forests, hide in the shadows of vast mountain ranges, and camouflage perfectly in the dry savannah. Many of the native species are found only in very small areas. Their survival depends on the preservation of their natural habitats.
Discover three new species of mouse lemurs recently found by a group of scientists from Germany, the USA, and Madagascar. These tiny primates are facing a race against time as their habitats are threatened by deforestation and exploitation. Researchers are working tirelessly to describe and define the species on the island, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. Learn more about these elusive creatures and the challenges they face in preserving their unique habitats. Belonging to the lemurs, of which today over 100 species are known. All endemic to Madagascar and most of them are endangered. The small mouse lemurs are particularly difficult to define, as all species look very similar with their brown fur and large eyes. Additionally, these small animals are nocturnal and hard to spot in the dense foliage of the rainforests due to their small size. To definitively identify the different species, their respective genetic codes must be deciphered. This is how the three newly discovered species were confirmed as such. 24 species. Island, researchers have discovered three new species of mouse lemurs. This brings the total number of known species to five, a significant increase from just two species known 20 years ago. The discovery of these new species is a result of innovative research methods and technologies, such as those used by the German Primate Center (DPZ). These new findings highlight the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in Madagascar to protect these unique and diverse primates. In the island of Madagascar, the approximately 60g heavy Microcebus manitatra was discovered, making it a relatively large species of cute lemurs. Despite this, it weighs less than, for example, a bar of chocolate. On the other hand, Microcebus ganzhorni owes its name to the Hamburg biologist Jörg Ganzhorn. Also known as the “Ganzhorn’s mouse lemur,” it lives in the southeast of the island. Its namesake has been conducting field research in Madagascar since the 1990s and is particularly dedicated to the research and protection of lemurs. The also relatively large Boraha mouse lemur (weighing just over 55g) was previously unknown. It lives on the beautiful island of Sainte-Marie, which the locals. Nosy Boraha, also known as Île Sainte-Marie, is often described by visitors as a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches, secluded coves, and vibrant coral reefs. A visit to this island is definitely worth it. The exact number of small primates living on the island is still unknown. However, who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of one of these adorable lemurs during your visit.
