Gray mouse lemur
| Gray mouse lemur | ||||||||||||
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Gray mouse lemur ( Microcebus murinus ) |
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| Microcebus murinus | ||||||||||||
| ( JF Miller , 1777) |
The gray mouse lemur ( Microcebus murinus ) is a primate species from the genus of the mouse lemur within the group of lemurs . It is one of the best-researched and most widespread species of its genus.
features
The gray mouse lemur is one of the larger representatives of the mouse lemur. It reaches a head-trunk length of 12 to 14 centimeters, the tail becomes 12 to 15 centimeters long. The weight averages 60 grams, it varies between 40 and 70 grams and is subject to strong seasonal fluctuations. The fur of this species is gray-brown on the upper side, the underside is whitish or light brown. The ears are relatively large compared to other mouse lemurs and clearly protrude. The eyes are also big.
There is no distinction between subspecies. However, there are several populations with slightly different coat colors, so a future description of several subspecies is not unlikely.
distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the gray mouse lemur runs along the entire west and southwest coast of Madagascar . In this wide range, they inhabit various forms of forests, especially dry deciduous forests. They can also be found in plantations and gardens and are likely to be very flexible and adaptable in their requirements. As a specialty, this species lives in sympathy with other mouse lemur species in many areas .
Way of life
Like all mouse lemurs, gray lemurs are nocturnal tree dwellers. During the day they sleep in tree hollows, which they pad with plants, or in self-made leaf nests. The females can form groups of two to nine animals that sleep together during the day, but look for food separately at night. The males live rather solitary, they show a territorial behavior and mark their territory with urine or excrement. The territories of the males are sometimes four times as large as those of the females and are strongly overlapping, especially during the breeding season.
Gray lemurs fall into a short torpor or a longer hibernation during the dry winter months (June to September) . Hibernation was mainly observed in the females. To do this, they put a store of fat in their tail during the wet season. During torpor, your body weight is reduced considerably and your body temperature is also lowered.
food
The gray mouse lemur feeds on fruits, flowers, insects and resins. The food spectrum changes depending on availability. In the rainy season, fruits are mainly consumed, while resins and insects are consumed in the dry season.
Reproduction
Mating occurs immediately after the end of the dry season in September or October. After a gestation period of around 60 days, two (rarely three) young animals are usually born in November or December. Sometimes, depending on the area and the duration of the rainy season, there is a second breeding season with a second mating season in December and a second litter in January and February. The young animals spend their first weeks of life in their mother's nest. Later they are carried around in the mouth by the mother during the nightly activity and each time they are parked for one to two hours in alternating places in the undergrowth (infant parking) while the mother goes looking for food.
threat
The gray mouse lemur is currently not considered endangered due to its widespread distribution and its generalist way of life. He is one of the most common lemurs, the IUCN lists him as "not endangered" ( least concern ).
In Germany, the species can be seen in Frankfurt, Berlin, Saarbrücken and Aue.
Individual evidence
- ^ Russell A. Mittermeier, Anthony B. Rylands, Don E. Wilson: Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 3: Primates. Lynx Edition, Barcelona 2013, ISBN 978-84-96553-89-7 , p. 51.
- ↑ [1] ZTL 17.6
literature
- Russell A. Mittermeier , Anthony B. Rylands, Don E. Wilson : Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 3: Primates. Lynx Edition, Barcelona 2013, ISBN 978-84-96553-89-7 .
- Russell A. Mittermeier et al. a .: Lemurs of Madagascar. Pocket Identification Guide. Conservation International, Washington DC 2006, ISBN 1-881173-99-2 ( Tropical Pocket Guide Series ).
- Nick Garbutt: Mammals of Madagascar. A Complete Guide. Yale University Press, New Haven CT 2007, ISBN 978-0-300-12550-4 .
Web links
- Microcebus murinus in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2009 Posted by: C. Andrainarivo u. a., 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2009.