This was a huge undertaking with a total of 29 authors from six countries, and years of field work followed by two years (plus) of genomic data production and analysis. [citation needed], Mouse lemurs are considered cryptic species—with very little morphological differences between the various species, but with high genetic diversity. One branch from our ancestral primates eventually gave rise to the diverse lemurs of Madagascar, ranging from the cat-size sifaka to the palm-size mouse lemur. The animal's fur is red-brown, like that of the Madame Berthe's species. We can think of no one more deserving of the honor. Yet almost as fast as they are being described, the conservation status of primates in Madagascar becomes more precarious. The eyes of a mouse lemur have a light-reflecting layer called the tapetum lucidum (or simply the tapetum) immediately behind the retina. I agree - there is always so much to be learned about wild animals! Although lemurs are considered to be the most primitive primates, they are fascinating animals. It is even worse when considering that they have been here on Earth for so long and always been able to adapt to the changing environment up until now. Hopefully, the efforts of conservationists will succeed before Earth loses the fascinating creatures that exist on the island today. During periods of torpor, the animal uses less water than normal and conserves energy. The new species of mouse lemur is among the larger mouse lemur species and has a prominent white stripe running down its nose, with reddish-brown fur and the typical large eyes of this nocturnal genus. The ears are small and are of the same rufous color as the head. 1991. “Instead of a limited number of genetic markers, we resort to genomic, ecological and morphological data, together with several sophisticated methods of inference.”. Among the most widespread, abundant and adaptable lemurs are the mouse lemurs — small-bodied, omnivorous, nocturnal primates of the genus Microcebus. A species of mouse lemur believed to be new to science has been found in the tropical forests of northeastern Madagascar. [10] In sexually inactive females the vulva is sealed, during the reproductive cycle the vulva is open. The Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur is named after Madame Berthe Rakotosamimanana, who was a Madagascan conservationist. The only reason I can see for keeping them in captivity is for breeding purposes if their population becomes so low in the wild that they are in danger of becoming extinct. Among the most widespread, abundant and adaptable lemurs are the mouse lemurs — small-bodied, omnivorous, nocturnal primates of the genus Microcebus. There are over 100 species of lemur endemic to Madagascar, which translates as some 20% of all primate species on the planet. The content is provided for information purposes only. FC Casuario, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 license. There is always so much that we can learn about. “Compared with its closest relative, the MacArthur’s mouse lemur (Microcebus macarthurii), the new species is longer, has a shorter tail, wider ears, a larger head width and a shorter head length.”, “In addition, it can be differentiated from the MacArthur’s mouse lemur by its ventral coloration which is rather whitish, but distinctly yellowish orange in the MacArthur’s mouse lemur.”. It was named for Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy, a respected Malagasy primatologist, who according to the study, “serves as an inspirational role model for young Malagasy students and scientists”. “The loss of natural habitats and the constant change in land use in the region lead to the isolation of small populations and this favors their disappearance,” Dr. Chikhi said. It eats mainly insects, fruits, flowers, leaves, and nectar. Their name comes from the Latin word "lemures", which means "ghost". Unfortunately, many of the species are endangered because of habitat destruction in their native forests. It would be a terrible shame if they became extinct. Meet Jonah’s mouse lemur, Microcebus jonahi! In addition, they belong to the order known as Primates, as we do. Dominik Schüßler, one of the lead authors of the study, told Africa Geographic that “although it is only a tiny lemur species that we recently described, it is a symbol for the situation of nature conservation in Madagascar.” Professor Ute Radespiel of the Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, explained further that “this study with the description of a new mouse lemur species demonstrates that the unique biodiversity of Madagascar is far from being understood. Thanks for the visit and the comment. Yes, it is sad that many of the mouse lemurs are threatened. [citation needed], Mouse lemurs have the smallest known brain of any primate, at just 0.004 pound (2 grams). CMHypno from Other Side of the Sun on November 12, 2011: These mouse lemurs are very cute Alicia, but are wild animals not pets. in a hotspot of microendemism in northeastern Madagascar, with the description of a new species”, Schüßler, D., Blanco, M., et al., (2020), American Journal of Primatology. This tiny (60-gram) primate is the 25th recognized species of mouse lemur and the 108th recognized species of lemur. Since mouse lemurs are nocturnal, they might not have evolved to look differently, but had evolved various auditory and vocal systems. Click here to sign in with M. sp. They say that the research is non-invasive and that the animals aren't harmed in the research. Very interesting hub. Thank you for the comment, MM. It would hurt their eyes to be with us. Jonah’s mouse lemur lives in northeastern Madagascar, including within the protected Mananara National Park. Addicited04, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 License. She lived from 1938 to 2005 and was a highly respected primatologist, teacher, and researcher as well as a conservationist. Once the safety of these drugs is demonstrated, the scientists hope to test them on mouse lemurs with neurological problems. And wouldn’t that be a pity? The animal's population is classified in the "Vulnerable" category of the IUCN's Red List. Your feedback will go directly to Science X editors. It’s estimated that a quarter of the population is killed by predators every year, but the grey mouse lemur is able to replace its lost population. It's nice to meet you. The drops of liquid fall onto leaves and stems. This was disproven when the pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus), thought to be extinct, was re-discovered. It's also known as the Peters' mouse lemur. The newfound species is one of the tiniest primates in the world — it measures about 26 cm (10.2 inches) from nose to tail and has a mass of only 60 grams. Madagascar sounds like a fascinating place, and the wildlife there is amazing! Evolution of mouse lemurs is an example for adaptive radiation. “Many of the new species discovered have been described on the basis of few genetic markers and some scientists have criticized the species inflation, questioning the existence of nearly half of current species but without questioning the extinction risks,” said co-author Dr. Lounès Chikhi, a researcher at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência and the Université Paul Sabatier.

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