Northern mouse lemur
| Northern mouse lemur | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Microcebus tavaratra | ||||||||||||
| Rasoloarison et al., 2000 |
The Northern Mausmaki ( Microcebus tavaratra ) is an on Madagascar living primate species from the kind of mouse lemurs within the group of lemurs .
features
Northern mouse lemurs are medium-sized representatives of the mouse lemurs with a head body length of 11 to 14 centimeters, a tail length of 15 to 17 centimeters and a weight of 48 to 84 grams. Their fur is dark brown on top, their belly is white or beige. The reddish head is rounded, there is a light spot between the large eyes. A conspicuous eel line stretches along the back .
Distribution and way of life
These mouse lemurs are only known from the Ankarana and Analamerana regions on the northern tip of Madagascar. Their habitat are dry deciduous forests and gallery forests .
Little is known about the way of life of this recently discovered species. It is a nocturnal tree dweller who moves on all fours or jumping through the branches. During the day these animals sleep in tree hollows or leaf nests. Mouse lemurs are mostly omnivores that eat fruits and other parts of plants as well as insects.
Danger
The destruction of its habitat is the main threat to the northern mouse lemur. Its range covers less than 5000 km² and is highly fragmented. The IUCN lists the species as "critically endangered" ( endangered ).
literature
- Nick Garbutt: Mammals of Madagascar. A Complete Guide. Yale University Press, New Haven CT 2007, ISBN 978-0-300-12550-4 .
- Don E. Wilson, DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .