Western bamboo lemur

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Western bamboo lemur
Hapalemur occidentalis.jpg

Western bamboo lemur ( Hapalemur occidentalis )

Systematics
Order : Primates (Primates)
Subordination : Wet-nose primates (Strepsirrhini)
Partial order : Lemurs (Lemuriformes)
Family : Common Makis (Lemuridae)
Genre : Bamboo Lemurs ( Hapalemur )
Type : Western bamboo lemur
Scientific name
Hapalemur occidentalis
Rumpler , 1975

The western bamboo lemur ( Hapalemur occidentalis ), also known as Sambirano bamboo lemur or western or Sambirano half-lemur , is a primate species from the lemur group . It was separated from the eastern bamboo lemur as an independent species in 2001 .

features

Western bamboo lemurs are the smallest representatives of the bamboo lemurs , they reach a head body length of 27 to 28 centimeters, plus a 36 to 39 centimeter long tail. Their weight is around 0.7 to 1.0 kilograms. Their fur is colored a light gray-brown on the upper side, the face and the belly are somewhat lighter. Its coat color is more monotonous than that of the eastern bamboo lemur. As with all bamboo lemurs, the ears are small and rounded and the muzzle short.

distribution and habitat

Western bamboo lemurs, like all lemurs, are only found on the island of Madagascar , where they are found in the western, northwestern and northeastern parts of the island. In the west, its distribution area extends south to the Tsingy de Bemaraha Nature Park , in the northwest it includes the Sambirano region and in the north to the Ankarana region . Areas in north-eastern Madagascar such as the Masoala Peninsula, which were previously assigned to the Eastern Bamboo Lemur, are also likely to be inhabited by this species instead, so that their range on the east coast presumably extends southward to Lake Alaotra . Their habitat is the deciduous forests of the west coast as well as the rainforests of the east coast of Madagascar.

Way of life

Little is known about the way these animals live. They are active during the day or at dusk, their loud calls begin at 4.30 p.m. and can be heard well into the night. In the trees they move vertically climbing or jumping, while foraging they often come to the ground. They probably live in family groups with up to six animals, the groups are composed of a male, a female and the young animals they share. Their food consists mainly of bamboo , but they also eat flowers.

threat

The main danger for the western bamboo lemur is the destruction of its habitat through slash and burn , the production of charcoal and mining. In some areas they are also hunted intensively. The IUCN estimates that the total population has declined by more than 30% in the last 27 years (three generations) and lists the species as "endangered" ( vulnerable ).

literature

Web links