Otto weasel lemur
| Otto weasel lemur | ||||||||||||
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| Lepilemur otto | ||||||||||||
| Craul et al., 2007 |
The Otto-Wieselmaki ( Lepilemur otto ) is an on Madagascar living primate species from the group of lemurs within the lemurs . The species was first described in 2007 by a research group at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover . The name honors the entrepreneur Michael Otto , who financially supported the research and conservation measures of the Malagasy primates.
features
Like all weasel lemurs, Otto weasel lemurs are relatively small primates, their weight averages 0.94 kilograms. The head is rounded, the face gray, the eyes are enlarged to adapt to the nocturnal lifestyle. The fur is gray-brown on the back and arms, and a dark, diffuse eel line extends along the back . The belly is whitish-gray, the tail is gray-brown to deep brown and sometimes ends in a white tip.
Distribution and way of life
Otto weasel lemurs are only known from the Ambodimahabibo region in northwestern Madagascar. Its exact distribution area is unclear; it may extend between the Mahajamba rivers in the west and Sofia in the north. Their habitat are dry deciduous forests.
Little is known about the way of life of this newly discovered species. Like all weasel lemurs, they are likely to be nocturnal tree dwellers and feed on plant material, especially leaves, fruits and buds.
Danger
The destruction of their habitat is probably the main threat to these animals; precise details are not possible due to the unclear distribution area. The IUCN lists the species under “too little data available” ( data deficient ).
literature
- Mathias Craul, Elke Zimmermann, Solofo Rasoloharijaona, Blanchard Randrianambinina, Ute Radespiel: Unexpected species diversity of Malagasy primates ( Lepilemur spp.) In the same biogeographical zone: a morphological and molecular approach with the description of two new species. In: BMC Evolutionary Biology. 7, No. 83, 2007, doi : 10.1186 / 1471-2148-7-83 .
Web links
- Lepilemur otto in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2009 Posted by: M. Hoffmann, 2008. Accessed on 5 November of 2009.