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Gray Mouse Lemur

Microcebus murinus

Photo by pamsai
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), or lesser mouse lemur, is a small lemur, a type of strepsirrhine primate, found only on the island of Madagascar. Weighing 58 to 67 grams (2.0 to 2.4 oz), it is the largest of the mouse lemurs (genus Microcebus), a group that includes the smallest primates in the world. The species is named for its mouse-like size and coloration and is known locally (in Malagasy) as tsidy, koitsiky, titilivaha, pondiky, and vakiandry.

Like all mouse lemurs, this species is nocturnal and arboreal. It is very active, and though it forages alone, groups of males and females form sleeping groups and share tree holes during the day.

Habitat:

Madagascar dry deciduous forests.

Notes:

Although threatened by deforestation, habitat degradation, and live capture for the pet trade, it is considered one of Madagascar's most abundant small native mammals.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

Beautiful! Photos & lemur, how lucky you are - thanks for sharing :}
Yes Kate, they weren't easy to see, especially in the dark!
Nice pics! They really show how the colouration works for camouflage against the bark of the trees.
Photographed
PublishedJune 16, 2014

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