Lemuroidea is a superfamily of primates. Members of this superfamily are called lemuroids, or lemurs. Lemuroidea is one of two superfamilies that form the suborder Strepsirrhini, itself one of two suborders in the order Primates. They are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar, primarily in forests but with some species also in savannas, shrublands, or wetlands. They range in size from the Margot Marsh's mouse lemur, at 8 cm (3 in) plus a 11 cm (4 in) tail, to the indri, at 90 cm (35 in) plus a 6 cm (2 in) tail. Lemuroids primarily eat fruit, leaves, and insects. Most lemuroids do not have population estimates, but the ones that do range from 40 mature individuals to 5,000. Most lemuroid species are at risk of extinction, with 45 species categorized as endangered, and a further 32 species categorized as critically endangered.
The 107 extant species of Lemuroidea are divided into five families. Cheirogaleidae contains 41 dwarf, mouse, and fork-marked lemur species in five genera. Daubentoniidae contains a single species, the aye-aye. Indriidae contains nineteen woolly lemur and sifaka species in three genera. Lemuridae contains 21 ruffed, ring-tailed, bamboo, and other lemur species in five genera. Lepilemuridae contains 25 sportive lemur species in a single genus.
Dozens of extinct prehistoric lemuroid species have been discovered, though due to ongoing research and discoveries the exact number and categorization is not fixed. [1] At least 17 species and eight genera are believed to have become extinct in the 2,000 years since humans first arrived in Madagascar. [2] [3] All known extinct species were large, ranging in weight from 10 to 200 kg (22 to 441 lb). The largest known subfossil lemur was Archaeoindris fontoynonti , a giant sloth lemur, which weighed more than a modern female gorilla. The extinction of the largest lemurs is often attributed to predation by humans and possibly habitat destruction. [2] Since all extinct lemurs were not only large (and thus ideal prey species), but also slow-moving (and thus more vulnerable to human predation), their presumably slow-reproducing and low-density populations were least likely to survive the introduction of humans. [2] Gradual changes in climate have also been blamed, and may have played a minor role; however since the largest lemurs also survived the climatic changes from previous ice ages and only disappeared following the arrival of humans, it is unlikely that climatic change was largely responsible. [2]
Conservation status | |
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EX | Extinct (0 species) |
EW | Extinct in the wild (0 species) |
CR | Critically Endangered (32 species) |
EN | Endangered (45 species) |
VU | Vulnerable (24 species) |
NT | Near threatened (1 species) |
LC | Least concern (2 species) |
Other categories | |
DD | Data deficient (3 species) |
NE | Not evaluated (0 species) |
Conservation status codes listed follow the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Range maps are provided wherever possible; if a range map is not available, a description of the lemuroid's range is provided. Ranges are based on the IUCN Red List for that species unless otherwise noted.
The superfamily Lemuroidea consists of five extant families: Cheirogaleidae, Daubentoniidae, Indriidae, Lemuridae, and Lepilemuridae. Cheirogaleidae contains 41 species in five genera. Daubentoniidae contains a single species. Indriidae contains nineteen species in three genera. Lemuridae contains 21 species in five genera. Lepilemuridae contains 25 lemur species in a single genus. There are additionally three families which went extinct prior to modern record-keeping: Archaeolemuridae, Megaladapidae, and Palaeopropithecidae, as well as an extinct genus in Lemuridae.
Family Archaeolemuridae † (monkey lemurs)
Family Cheirogaleidae
Family Daubentoniidae
Family Indriidae
Family Lemuridae
Family Lepilemuridae
Family Megaladapidae † (koala lemurs)
Family Palaeopropithecidae † (sloth lemurs)
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There are two competing lemur phylogenies, one by Horvath et al. (top) [4] and one by Orlando et al. (bottom). [5] |
The following classification is based on the taxonomy described by the reference work Mammal Species of the World (2005), with augmentation by generally accepted proposals made since using molecular phylogenetic analysis, as supported by both the IUCN and the American Society of Mammalogists. [6]
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Hairy-eared dwarf lemur | A. trichotis (Günther, 1875) | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 12–15 cm (5–6 in) long, plus about 17 cm (7 in) tail [7] Habitat: Forest [8] Diet: Nectar, fruit, gum, leaves, honey, and insects [8] | EN
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Ankarana dwarf lemur | C. shethi Frasier et al., 2016 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 16–18 cm (6–7 in) long, plus about 18 cm (7 in) tail [9] Habitat: Forest and shrubland [10] Diet: Fruit [10] | EN
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Fat-tailed dwarf lemur | C. medius Geoffroy, 1812 | Southern, western, and northern Madagascar | Size: 20–23 cm (8–9 in) long, plus 20–27 cm (8–11 in) tail [11] Habitat: Forest [12] Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, seeds, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates [11] | VU
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Furry-eared dwarf lemur | C. crossleyi Grandidier, 1870 | Scattered eastern Madagascar | Size: 22–26 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 21–27 cm (8–11 in) tail [13] Habitat: Forest [14] Diet: Nectar, fruit, leaves, and insects [13] | VU
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Greater dwarf lemur | C. major Geoffroy, 1812 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 16–27 cm (6–11 in) long, plus 19–31 cm (7–12 in) tail [15] Habitat: Forest [16] Diet: Fruit, flowers, and nectar, as well as insects small vertebrates, and honey [15] | VU
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Groves' dwarf lemur | C. grovesi McLain et al., 2017 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 16–24 cm (6–9 in) long, plus 27–31 cm (11–12 in) tail [17] Habitat: Forest [18] Diet: | DD
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Lavasoa dwarf lemur | C. lavasoensis Thiele, Razafimahatratra, & Hapke, 2013 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 50–55 cm (20–22 in) long, including tail [19] Habitat: Forest [20] Diet: | EN
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Lesser iron-gray dwarf lemur | C. minusculus Groves, 2000 | Central Madagascar | Size: Unknown [21] Habitat: Forest [22] Diet: Unknown [21] | DD
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Montagne d'Ambre dwarf lemur | C. andysabini Lei et al., 2015 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 16–18 cm (6–7 in) long, plus 26–27 cm (10–11 in) tail [23] Habitat: Forest [24] Diet: | EN
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Sibree's dwarf lemur | C. sibreei Forsyth Major, 1896 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: Unknown [25] Habitat: Forest [26] Diet: Unknown [25] | CR
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Thomas' dwarf lemur | C. thomasi (Forsyth Major, 1894) | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: Unknown Habitat: Forest [27] Diet: Fruit and flowers [27] | EN
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Anosy mouse lemur | M. tanosi Rasoloarison, Weisrock, Yoder, Rakotondravony, & Kappeler, 2013 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 10–16 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 11–15 cm (4–6 in) tail [28] Habitat: Forest [29] Diet: Fruit and insects [29] | EN
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Arnhold's mouse lemur | M. arnholdi Louis et al., 2008 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 9–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 10–14 cm (4–6 in) tail [30] Habitat: Forest [31] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | VU
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Bemanasy mouse lemur | M. manitatra Hotaling et al., 2016 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 12–13 cm (5 in) long, plus about 15 cm (6 in) tail Habitat: Forest [33] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | CR
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Bongolava mouse lemur | M. bongolavensis Olivieri et al., 2007 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–17 cm (6–7 in) tail [34] Habitat: Forest [35] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | EN
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Brown mouse lemur | M. rufus Geoffroy, 1834 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: About 13 cm (5 in) long, plus about 12 cm (5 in) tail [36] Habitat: Forest [37] Diet: Fruit, as well as insects, leaves, flowers, gum, nectar, and pollen [36] | VU
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Claire's mouse lemur | M. mamiratra Andriantompohavana et al., 2006 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–17 cm (6–7 in) tail [38] Habitat: Forest [39] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | EN
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Danfoss's mouse lemur | M. danfossi Olivieri et al., 2007 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 15–17 cm (6–7 in) tail [40] Habitat: Forest [41] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | VU
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Ganzhorn's mouse lemur | M. ganzhorni Hotaling et al., 2016 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: Habitat: Forest [42] Diet: Fruit and insects [42] | EN
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Gerp's mouse lemur | M. gerpi Radespiel et al., 2012 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus about 15 cm (6 in) tail [43] Habitat: Forest [44] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | CR
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Golden-brown mouse lemur | M. ravelobensis Zimmermann, Cepok, Rakotoarison, Zietemann, & Radespiel, 1998 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 12–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 14–18 cm (6–7 in) tail [45] Habitat: Forest [46] Diet: Gum, insect excretions, nectar, fruit, leaves, and animal matter [46] | VU
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Goodman's mouse lemur | M. lehilahytsara Roos & Kappeler, 2005 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 11–12 cm (4–5 in) tail [47] Habitat: Forest [48] Diet: Fruit and insects [48] | NT
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Gray mouse lemur | M. murinus (J. F. Miller, 1777) | Western and southern Madagascar | Size: 12–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail [49] Habitat: Forest and shrubland [50] Diet: Insects, as well as small reptiles, plants, leaves, fruit, and flowers [49] | LC
|
Jolly's mouse lemur | M. jollyae Louis et al., 2006 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 12–13 cm (5 in) tail [51] Habitat: Forest [52] Diet: Fruit [52] | EN
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MacArthur's mouse lemur | M. macarthurii Radespiel et al., 2008 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail [53] Habitat: Forest [54] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | EN
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Madame Berthe's mouse lemur | M. berthae Rasoloarison, Goodman, & Ganzhorn, 2000 | Western Madagascar | Size: 9–11 cm (4 in) long, plus 12–14 cm (5–6 in) tail [55] Habitat: Forest [56] Diet: Honeydew, as well as gum, flowers, fruit, arthropods, and small vertebrates [55] | CR
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Margot Marsh's mouse lemur | M. margotmarshae Andriantompohavana et al., 2006 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 8–13 cm (3–5 in) long, plus 11–16 cm (4–6 in) tail [30] Habitat: Forest [57] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | EN
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Marohita mouse lemur | M. marohita Rasoloarison, Weisrock, Yoder, Rakotondravony, & Kappeler, 2013 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 13–15 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail [28] Habitat: Forest [58] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | CR
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Jonah's mouse lemur | M. jonahi Schüssler et al., 2020 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 12–14 cm (5–6 in) long, plus 12–14 cm (5–6 in) tail [53] Habitat: Forest [59] Diet: Fruit and insects [59] | EN
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Northern rufous mouse lemur | M. tavaratra (Rasoloarison, Goodman, & Ganzhorn, 2000) | Northern Madagascar | Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 14–17 cm (6–7 in) tail [60] Habitat: Forest and shrubland [61] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | VU
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Nosy Boraha mouse lemur | M. boraha Hotaling et al., 2016 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: Habitat: Unknown [62] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | DD
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Pygmy mouse lemur | M. myoxinus Peters, 1852 | Western Madagascar | Size: 12–13 cm (5 in) long, plus 24–26 cm (9–10 in) tail [63] Habitat: Forest [64] Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, gums, and insects [63] | VU
|
Reddish-gray mouse lemur | M. griseorufus Kollman, 1910 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 11–14 cm (4–6 in) long, plus 13–16 cm (5–6 in) tail [47] Habitat: Forest and shrubland [65] Diet: Fruit and gum, as well as flowers and arthropods [65] | LC
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Sambirano mouse lemur | M. sambiranensis Rasoloarison et al., 2000 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 11–13 cm (4–5 in) long, plus 13–15 cm (5–6 in) tail [66] Habitat: Forest [67] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | EN
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Simmons' mouse lemur | M. simmonsi Louis et al., 2006 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 9–10 cm (4 in) long, plus 14–15 cm (6 in) tail [68] Habitat: Forest [69] Diet: Insect secretions, arthropods, small vertebrates, fruit, and flowers [32] | EN
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Coquerel's giant mouse lemur | M. coquereli Grandidier, 1867 | Western Madagascar | Size: 23–27 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 31–32 cm (12–13 in) tail [70] Habitat: Forest [71] Diet: Fruit, flowers, and invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates [70] | EN
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Northern giant mouse lemur | M. zaza Kappeler & Roos, 2005 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 23–25 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 26–29 cm (10–11 in) tail [72] Habitat: Forest [73] Diet: Fruit, insect secretions, and sap [73] | VU
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Amber Mountain fork-marked lemur | P. electromontis Groves & Tattersall, 1991 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 22–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 28–37 cm (11–15 in) tail [74] Habitat: Forest [75] Diet: | EN
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Masoala fork-marked lemur | P. furcifer Blainville, 1839 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 22–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 28–37 cm (11–15 in) tail [76] Habitat: Forest [77] Diet: Gum, as well as insects [76] | EN
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Pale fork-marked lemur | P. pallescens Groves & Tattersall, 1991 | Western Madagascar | Size: 23–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 29–37 cm (11–15 in) tail [78] Habitat: Forest [79] Diet: Sap and gum, as well as insects, insect secretions, fruit, flowers, and nectar [79] | EN
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Pariente's fork-marked lemur | P. parienti Groves & Tattersall, 1991 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 22–29 cm (9–11 in) long, plus 28–37 cm (11–15 in) tail [74] Habitat: Forest [80] Diet: Gum [80] | EN
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Aye-aye | D. madagascariensis Gmelin, 1788 | Western and eastern Madagascar | Size: 36–44 cm (14–17 in) long, plus tail [81] Habitat: Forest and shrubland [82] Diet: Fruit, nuts, and sap [81] | EN
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Bemaraha woolly lemur | A. cleesei Thalmann & Geissmann, 2005 | Western Madagascar | Size: 26–37 cm (10–15 in) long, plus 29–35 cm (11–14 in) tail [83] Habitat: Forest [84] Diet: Buds and leaves [85] | CR
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Betsileo woolly lemur | A. betsileo Andriantompohavana et al., 2007 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 25–34 cm (10–13 in) long, plus 28–35 cm (11–14 in) tail [83] Habitat: Forest [86] Diet: | EN
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Eastern woolly lemur | A. laniger Gmelin, 1788 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 30–45 cm (12–18 in) long plus tail [87] Habitat: Forest [88] Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers and fruit [87] | VU
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Moore's woolly lemur | A. mooreorum Lei et al., 2008 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 28–34 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 29–38 cm (11–15 in) tail [89] Habitat: Forest [90] Diet: Leaves [90] | EN
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Peyrieras's woolly lemur | A. peyrierasi Zaramody et al., 2006 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 26–32 cm (10–13 in) long, plus 28–35 cm (11–14 in) tail [91] Habitat: Forest [92] Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers and fruit [92] | VU
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Ramanantsoavana's woolly lemur | A. ramanantsoavani Zaramody et al., 2006 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 27–34 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 26–39 cm (10–15 in) tail [83] Habitat: Forest [93] Diet: | VU
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Sambirano woolly lemur | A. unicolor Thalmann & Geissmann, 2000 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 25–29 cm (10–11 in) long, plus 31–36 cm (12–14 in) tail [94] Habitat: Forest [95] Diet: | CR
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Southern woolly lemur | A. meridionalis Zaramody et al., 2006 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 29–33 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 29–38 cm (11–15 in) tail [83] Habitat: Forest [96] Diet: Leaves [96] | EN
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Western woolly lemur | A. occidentalis Liburnau, 1898 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 25–29 cm (10–11 in) long, plus 31–37 cm (12–15 in) tail [97] Habitat: Forest [98] Diet: Leaves [97] | VU
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Indri | I. indri (Gmelin, 1788) Two subspecies
| Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 60–90 cm (24–35 in) long, plus 5–6 cm (2 in) tail [99] Habitat: Forest [100] Diet: Fruit, leaves, and flowers [99] | CR
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Coquerel's sifaka | P. coquereli Grandidier, 1867 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 42–50 cm (17–20 in) long, plus 50–60 cm (20–24 in) tail [101] Habitat: Forest [102] Diet: Leaves, seeds, flowers, fruit, and bark [103] | CR
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Crowned sifaka | P. coronatus H. Milne-Edwards, 1871 | Western Madagascar | Size: About 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 56 cm (22 in) tail [104] Habitat: Forest [105] Diet: Flowers and leaves, as well as fruit [105] | CR
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Diademed sifaka | P. diadema Bennett, 1832 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 45–55 cm (18–22 in) long, plus 43–56 cm (17–22 in) [106] Habitat: Forest [107] Diet: Leaves, flowers, fruit, and shoots [106] | CR
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Golden-crowned sifaka | P. tattersalli Simons, 1988 | Northern lemur | Size: About 48 cm (19 in) long, plus about 39 cm (15 in) tail [108] Habitat: Forest, savanna, and shrubland [109] Diet: Seeds, fruit, leaves, and flowers, as well as bark [108] | CR
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Milne-Edwards's sifaka | P. edwardsi Grandidier, 1871 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 42–52 cm (17–20 in) long, plus 41–48 cm (16–19 in) tail [110] Habitat: Forest [111] Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, seeds, and flowers [110] | EN
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Perrier's sifaka | P. perrieri Lavauden, 1931 | Northern Madagascar | Size: About 49 cm (19 in) long, plus tail [112] Habitat: Forest [113] Diet: Leaves, flowers, and fruit [112] | CR
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Silky sifaka | P. candidus Grandidier, 1871 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 48–54 cm (19–21 in) long, plus 45–51 cm (18–20 in) tail [114] Habitat: Forest [115] Diet: Leaves, seeds, fruit, and flowers, as well as bark and soil [114] | CR
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Verreaux's sifaka | P. verreauxi Grandidier, 1867 | Southwestern Madagascar | Size: 45–55 cm (18–22 in) long, plus 43–56 cm (17–22 in) tail [116] Habitat: Forest and shrubland [117] Diet: Leaves, bark, and flowers, as well as fruit [116] | CR
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Von der Decken's sifaka | P. deckenii Grandidier, 1867 | Western Madagascar | Size: About 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 45 cm (18 in) tail [118] Habitat: Forest [119] Diet: Leaves [119] | CR
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Black lemur | E. macaco (Linnaeus, 1766) | Northern Madagascar | Size: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long, plus 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tail [120] Habitat: Forest [121] Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, nectar, leaves, bark, soil, and ants [120] | EN
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Blue-eyed black lemur | E. flavifrons Gray, 1867 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 39–45 cm (15–18 in) long, plus 51–65 cm (20–26 in) tail [122] Habitat: Forest [123] Diet: Fruit and leaves [123] | CR
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Collared brown lemur | E. collaris Geoffroy, 1817 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 39–40 cm (15–16 in) long, plus 50–55 cm (20–22 in) tail [124] Habitat: Forest [125] Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, young leaves, and insects [125] | EN
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Common brown lemur | E. fulvus Geoffroy, 1796 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 41–51 cm (16–20 in) long, plus 41–51 cm (16–20 in) tail [126] Habitat: Forest [127] Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers, fruit, and bark [128] | VU
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Crowned lemur | E. coronatus (Gray, 1842) | Northern Madagascar | Size: About 34 cm (13 in) long, plus about 45 cm (18 in) tail [129] Habitat: Forest [130] Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves [129] | EN
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Gray-headed lemur | E. cinereiceps Grandidier & A. Milne-Edwards, 1890 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 39–41 cm (15–16 in) long, plus 50–55 cm (20–22 in) tail [131] Habitat: Forest [132] Diet: Fruit, as well as flowers, leaves, nectar, fungi, and insects [131] | CR
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Mongoose lemur | E. mongoz (Linnaeus, 1766) | Northern Madagascar | Size: About 35 cm (14 in) long, plus about 48 cm (19 in) tail [133] Habitat: Forest [134] Diet: Flowers, pollen, fruit, and leaves [133] | CR
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Red lemur | E. rufus (Audebert, 1799) | Northwestern lemur | Size: About 38 cm (15 in) long, plus 49–51 cm (19–20 in) [135] Habitat: Forest [136] Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, insects, and arthropods [135] | VU
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Red-bellied lemur | E. rubriventer Geoffroy, 1850 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 36–42 cm (14–17 in) long, plus 46–54 cm (18–21 in) tail [137] Habitat: Forest [138] Diet: Flowers, fruits and leaves, as well as invertebrates [137] | VU
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Red-fronted lemur | E. rufifrons Bennett, 1833 | Southwestern and southeastern Madagascar | Size: About 30 cm (12 in) long, plus about 50 cm (20 in) tail [139] Habitat: Forest [140] Diet: Fruit, leaves, buds, and flowers, as well as invertebrates [139] | VU
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Sanford's brown lemur | E. sanfordi Archbold, 1932 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 38–40 cm (15–16 in) long, plus 50–55 cm (20–22 in) tail [141] Habitat: Forest [142] Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, and invertebrates [142] | EN
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White-headed lemur | E. albifrons Geoffroy, 1796 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: About 40 cm (16 in) long, plus about 50 cm (20 in) tail [143] Habitat: Forest [144] Diet: Fruit and flowers [144] | VU
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Eastern lesser bamboo lemur | H. griseus Link, 1795 | Western and eastern Madagascar | Size: 28–30 cm (11–12 in) long, plus 35–37 cm (14–15 in) tail [145] Habitat: Forest [146] Diet: Bamboo, as well as grass, fruit, and leaves [147] | VU
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Golden bamboo lemur | H. aureus Meier, Albignac, Peyriéras, Rumpler, & Wright,, 1987 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: About 34 cm (13 in) long, plus about 41 cm (16 in) tail [148] Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands [149] Diet: Bamboo, as well as grass, leaves, fruit, fungi, and soil [148] | CR
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Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur | H. alaotrensis Rumpler, 1975 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: About 40 cm (16 in) long, plus tail [150] Habitat: Inland wetlands [151] Diet: Marsh plants [151] | CR
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Southern lesser bamboo lemur | H. meridionalis Warter, Randrianasolo, Dutrillaux, & Rumpler, 1987 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 32–40 cm (13–16 in) tail [152] Habitat: Forest [153] Diet: Grass, pith, stems, and leaves, as well as fruit [153] | VU
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Western lesser bamboo lemur | H. occidentalis Rumpler, 1975 | Size: 27–28 cm (11–11 in) long, plus 36–39 cm (14–15 in) tail [154] Habitat: Forest [155] Diet: Fruit, bamboo, flowers, fungi, and soil [155] | VU
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
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Ring-tailed lemur | L. catta Linnaeus, 1758 | Southwestern Madagascar | Size: 39–46 cm (15–18 in) long, plus 56–63 cm (22–25 in) tail [156] Habitat: Forest, shrubland, rocky areas, and caves [157] Diet: Omnivorous, including fruit, leaves, stems, flowers, sap, spiders, spider webs, chameleons, insects, small birds, and termite mounds [156] | EN
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Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Greater bamboo lemur | P. simus Gray, 1871 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 40–45 cm (16–18 in) long, plus 43–48 cm (17–19 in) tail [158] Habitat: Forest [159] Diet: Bamboo shoots and pith, as well as flowers, leaves, soil, and fruit [158] | CR
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
Black-and-white ruffed lemur | V. variegata Kerr, 1792 Three subspecies
| Eastern Madagascar | Size: About 45 cm (18 in) long, plus 60–61 cm (24–24 in) tail [145] Habitat: Forest [160] Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, and nectar [161] | CR
|
Red ruffed lemur | V. rubra (Geoffroy, 1812) | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: About 50 cm (20 in) long, plus about 60 cm (24 in) tail [162] Habitat: Forest [163] Diet: Fruit, nectar, and pollen, as well as leaves and seeds [162] | CR
|
Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
---|---|---|---|---|
AEECL's sportive lemur | L. aeeclis Andriaholinirina et al., 2017 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 28–33 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 24–26 cm (9–10 in) tail [164] Habitat: Forest [165] Diet: Leaves [165] | EN
|
Ahmanson's sportive lemur | L. ahmansoni Louis et al., 2006 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 23–25 cm (9–10 in) tail [166] Habitat: Forest [167] Diet: Leaves [167] | CR
|
Ankarana sportive lemur | L. ankaranensis Rumpler, 1975 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus about 25 cm (10 in) tail [168] Habitat: Forest [169] Diet: Leaves and fruit, as well as latex [169] | EN
|
Betsileo sportive lemur | L. betsileo Louis et al., 2006 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus about 33 cm (13 in) tail [170] Habitat: Forest [171] Diet: Leaves and flowers [170] | EN
|
Daraina sportive lemur | L. milanoii Louis et al., 2006 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 25–29 cm (10–11 in) long, plus 24–27 cm (9–11 in) tail [172] Habitat: Forest [173] Diet: Leaves [173] | EN
|
Fleurete's sportive lemur | L. fleuretae Louis et al., 2006 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 28–37 cm (11–15 in) long, plus about 30 cm (12 in) tail [174] Habitat: Forest [175] Diet: Leaves, fruit, and flowers [175] | EN
|
Gray-backed sportive lemur | L. dorsalis Gray, 1870 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 23–26 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 26–28 cm (10–11 in) tail [176] Habitat: Forest [177] Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers, fruit, and bark [176] | EN
|
Grewcock's sportive lemur | L. grewcocki Louis et al., 2006 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 29–33 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 26–30 cm (10–12 in) tail [178] Habitat: Forest [179] Diet: | CR
|
Hawks' sportive lemur | L. tymerlachsoni Louis et al., 2006 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 28–41 cm (11–16 in) long, plus 22–27 cm (9–11 in) tail [180] Habitat: Forest [181] Diet: Leaves, as well as fruit and bark [181] | CR
|
Holland's sportive lemur | L. hollandorum Ramaromilanto et al., 2009 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: Habitat: Forest [182] Diet: Leaves [182] | CR
|
Hubbard's sportive lemur | L. hubbardi Louis et al., 2006 | Southwestern Madagascar | Size: 28–34 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 23–25 cm (9–10 in) tail [183] Habitat: Forest [184] Diet: Leaves [184] | EN
|
James' sportive lemur | L. jamesi Louis et al., 2006 | Southeastern Madagascar | Size: 32–35 cm (13–14 in) long, plus 28–32 cm (11–13 in) tail [185] Habitat: Forest [186] Diet: | CR
|
Milne-Edwards' sportive lemur | L. edwardsi Forsyth Major, 1894 | Northern Madagascar | Size: 27–29 cm (11–11 in) long, plus 27–29 cm (11–11 in) tail [187] Habitat: Forest [188] Diet: Leaves, as well as seeds, flowers, and fruit [187] | EN
|
Northern sportive lemur | L. septentrionalis Rumpler & Albignac, 1975 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus 25 cm (10 in) tail [189] Habitat: Forest [190] Diet: Leaves, as well as flowers and fruit [189] | CR
|
Otto's sportive lemur | L. otto Craul, Zimmermann, Rasoloharijaona, Randrianambinina, & Radespiel, 2007 | Northern Madagascar | Size: Habitat: Forest [191] Diet: | EN
|
Petter's sportive lemur | L. petteri Louis et al., 2006 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 27–29 cm (11–11 in) long, plus 22–25 cm (9–10 in) tail [183] Habitat: Forest [192] Diet: Leaves [192] | EN
|
Randrianasolo's sportive lemur | L. randrianasoloi Andriaholinirina et al., 2017 | Western Madagascar | Size: About 29 cm (11 in) long, plus about 28 cm (11 in) tail [193] Habitat: Forest [194] Diet: Leaves, as well as pollen, seeds, fruit, flowers, and bark [193] | EN
|
Red-tailed sportive lemur | L. ruficaudatus Grandidier, 1867 | Southwestern Madagascar | Size: About 28 cm (11 in) long, plus about 25 cm (10 in) tail [195] Habitat: Forest [196] Diet: Fruit and leaves [196] | CR
|
Sahamalaza sportive lemur | L. sahamalaza Andriaholinirina et al., 2017 | Northern Madagascar | Size: About 26 cm (10 in) long, plus about 27 cm (11 in) tail [197] Habitat: Forest [198] Diet: Leaves, fruit, spiders, and insects [198] | CR
|
Scott's sportive lemur | L. scottorum Lei et al., 2008 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 31–35 cm (12–14 in) long, plus 25–30 cm (10–12 in) tail [89] Habitat: Forest [199] Diet: Leaves [199] | EN
|
Seal's sportive lemur | L. seali Louis et al., 2006 | Northeastern Madagascar | Size: 32–38 cm (13–15 in) long, plus 24–38 cm (9–15 in) tail [89] Habitat: Forest [200] Diet: | VU
|
Small-toothed sportive lemur | L. microdon Forsyth Major, 1894 | Size: 27–32 cm (11–13 in) long, plus 28–32 cm (11–13 in) tail [201] Habitat: Forest [202] Diet: Leaves [202] | EN
| |
Weasel sportive lemur | L. mustelinus Geoffroy, 1851 | Eastern Madagascar | Size: 24–30 cm (9–12 in) long, plus 22–29 cm (9–11 in) tail [203] Habitat: Forest [204] Diet: Leaves, as well as fruit, flowers, and bark [203] | VU
|
White-footed sportive lemur | L. leucopus Forsyth Major, 1894 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 24–26 cm (9–10 in) long, plus 21–26 cm (8–10 in) tail [205] Habitat: Forest [206] Diet: Leaves and vines, as well as flowers and fruit [205] | EN
|
Wright's sportive lemur | L. wrighti Louis et al., 2006 | Southern Madagascar | Size: 31–38 cm (12–15 in) long, plus 23–28 cm (9–11 in) tail [89] Habitat: Forest [207] Diet: Leaves [207] | EN
|
All known extinct lemurs from Madagascar are known from recent, subfossil remains. [208] Conditions for fossilization were not ideal on the island, so little is known about ancestral lemur populations. All known extinct lemurs are thought to have died out after the arrival of humans.
The pygmy mouse lemur, also known as Peters' mouse lemur or dormouse lemur, is a primate weighing only 43–55 g (1.5–1.9 oz); it is the second smallest of the mouse lemurs. Its dorsal side is a rufous-brown colour, and creamy-white ventrally. It lives in dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar. It has been captured in the Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Reserve, the Andramasy forests north of Belo sur Tsiribihina, and the border of heavily degraded deciduous forest and savanna at Aboalimena. It has also been found in other habitats, in mangroves in two localities.
The Sambirano mouse lemur is a small, recently discovered primate and like the other mouse lemurs can only be found on the island of Madagascar. The dorsal side is both cinnamon and rufous-cinnamon and is grey ventrally. It has vibrissae that are dark in color.
Jolly's mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur from Mananjary and Kianjavato in Madagascar. The species is named in honor of primatologist Alison Jolly.
Mittermeier's mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur known only from Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve in Madagascar.
Simmons' mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur known only from Betampona Special Reserve, Analalava Special Community Reserve near Foulpointe, and Zahamena National Park in Madagascar.
Claire's mouse lemur, or the Nosy Be mouse lemur, is a newly described species of lemur from the genus of the mouse lemurs (Microcebus). It lives on the island Nosy Bé in the Antsiranana province of Madagascar, and on the mainland near the village of Manehoka, including Lokobe Reserve. The scientific type name, mamiratra, comes from Malagasy and means "clear and bright"; this refers the Theodore F. and Claire M. Hubbard Family Foundation, which has contributed to genetic research on Madagascar. This species is closely related to another new species, "M. species nova # 5"; which is related to the Sambirano mouse lemur, Microcebus sambiranensis, and the northern rufous mouse lemur, Microcebus tavaratra.
The furry-eared dwarf lemur, or Crossley's dwarf lemur, only found on the island of Madagascar, as with all other lemurs. It has a pelage coloration that is red-brown dorsally and gray ventrally. The eye-rings of this species are blackish and the ears are black inside and out. Cheirogaleus crossleyi species are obligated to hibernate during periods of food scarcity on the island of Madagascar. Cheirogaleus crossleyi species specifically undergo drastic fluctuations in temperature during hibernation.
The northern rufous mouse lemur, northern brown mouse lemur, or Tavaratra mouse lemur is found in northern Madagascar from the Ankarana Special Reserve in the west to the Manambato River in the northeast, and up to the Irodo River in the north of the Analamerana Special Reserve. The complete distribution range of M. tavaratra is still to be defined as some areas surrounding the described distribution have not been visited yet. For example, M. tavaratra has been reported to possibly occur from the Irodo up to the Montagne des Français. Its known distribution cover four protected areas – the Ankarana Special Reserve, and the Analamerana Special Reserve both managed by Madagascar National Parks, the Loky-Manambato protected area (Daraina), and the Andavakoeira-Andrafiamena protected area, both Managed by the NGO Fanamby
Sibree's dwarf lemur is a small nocturnal lemur endemic to Madagascar.
MacArthur's mouse lemur, or the Anjiahely mouse lemur, is a species of mouse lemur known only from Makira Natural Park in northeastern Madagascar.
Mittermeier's sportive lemur is a sportive lemur endemic to the Ampasindava Peninsula in Madagascar.
Arnhold's mouse lemur or the Montagne d'Ambre mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur endemic to Madagascar. Its holotype was first collected on 27 November 2005, and was first described in 2008. According to genetic tests, it is genetically distinct from its closest sister taxa, the Sambirano mouse lemur.
Margot Marsh's mouse lemur or the Antafondro mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur endemic to Madagascar. Its holotype was first collected on 21 May 2006, proposed in 2006 by Andriantompohavana et al., and was formally described in 2008 by E. Lewis, Jr., et al. According to genetic tests, it is genetically distinct from its closest sister taxon, Claire's mouse lemur.
The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates is a list of highly endangered primate species selected and published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Primate Specialist Group (PSG), the International Primatological Society (IPS), Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC), and Bristol Zoological Society (BZS). The IUCN/SSC PSG worked with Conservation International (CI) to start the list in 2000, but in 2002, during the 19th Congress of the International Primatological Society, primatologists reviewed and debated the list, resulting in the 2002–2004 revision and the endorsement of the IPS. The publication was a joint project between the three conservation organizations until the 2012–2014 list when BZS was added as a publisher. The 2018–2020 list was the first time Conservation International was not among the publishers, replaced instead by GWC. The list has been revised every two years following the biannual Congress of the IPS. Starting with the 2004–2006 report, the title changed to "Primates in Peril: The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates". That same year, the list began to provide information about each species, including their conservation status and the threats they face in the wild. The species text is written in collaboration with experts from the field, with 60 people contributing to the 2006–2008 report and 85 people contributing to the 2008–2010 report. The 2004–2006 and 2006–2008 reports were published in the IUCN/SSC PSG journal Primate Conservation,, since then they have been published as independent publications.
The Bongolava mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur endemic to Madagascar. It lives in western deciduous forest within a limited range, including Bongolava Forest and Ambodimahabibo Forest between the Sofia River and the Mahajamba River.
The Marohita mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur known only from the Marohita Forest in eastern Madagascar, near the village of Marolambo. Specimens were first collected in December 2003, and its discovery was announced in 2013 along with the Anosy mouse lemur. It is a large mouse lemur, weighing up to 89 g (3.1 oz), and lives within the same area as the Goodman's mouse lemur (M. lehilahytsara), Simmons' mouse lemur (M. simmonsi), and the brown mouse lemur (M. rufus), all four of which are nearly identical in appearance. Its fur is rufous on its back and grayish-beige on its underside. Nothing is known about its behavior. Its conservation status was evaluated as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2012, before it was formally described, because its only known habitat had severely degraded between 2003 and 2012.
Lemurs' Park is a small botanical garden and lemur reserve covering 5 ha, and is located 22 km (14 mi) southwest of Antananarivo, Madagascar. It was founded around 2000 by Laurent Amouric and Maxime Allorge. Most of its nine lemur species are free-ranging within the park, which also contains more than 70 of Madagascar's endemic plant species. The park is open to the public, offering guided tours as well as standard amenities, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Visitors can arrange transportation between downtown Antananarivo and Lemurs' Park on a private park shuttle.
The Montagne d'Ambre dwarf lemur or Andy Sabin's dwarf lemur is a species of dwarf lemur known only from Amber Mountain National Park and the surrounding area in northern Madagascar. It was identified in 2005, but not formally described until 2015. It is an endangered species, at risk from deforestation and possibly hunting from nearby human populations.
The Bemanasy mouse lemur, Microcebus manitatra, is a species of mouse lemur described in 2016 from Madagascar. It was discovered by a team of researchers at the German Primate Center. It was initially discovered among closely related species such as Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, Boraha mouse lemur, and Ganzhorn's mouse lemur. Morphological similarity made it impossible to identify them as distinct species. A genetic study was done in collaboration with scientists at the University of Kentucky, the Duke Lemur Center and the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar. The mtDNA sequencing revealed that the species was unique.
The Ankarana dwarf lemur or Sheth's dwarf lemur is a species of dwarf lemur, part of the C. medius group, known only from northern Madagascar. It has been found in two reserves as well as two protected areas. It was identified in 2014, but not formally described until 2016. Its conservation status has not been determined, but it is at risk from habitat destruction due to daily resource extraction by local human populations.