The
worlds’ smallest primate is the Pygmy
Mouse Lemur, weighing only 30 grams at
maturity.
That’s
the same size as a ¼ cup!
The genus Cebus describes,
depending on taxonomical preferences,
anywhere from 8-15 species, ten of which
have been described within the last
decade. The most researched species are
Grey Mouse Lemur M. murinus,
Brown Mouse Lemur M. rufus and
Golden-Brown Mouse Lemur M.
ravelobensis.
These tiny
primates are all less than 10.6 inches
from head to tail, with size length
ranging between species. Body fur color
morphs are of either a grayish or
reddish variety, with all mouse lemurs
sporting a characteristic white stripe
between the eyes. Mouse lemurs are
nocturnal
primates. Their means of locomotion is
primarily
quadrupedal
however leaping and running on the
ground have also been observed.
Mouse lemurs are
omnivorous
and exploit a
variety of food sources that is
dependent on availability, forest type
and season. Foods include: gum,
insects, fruit, leaves and buds, small
vertebrates,
arthropods
and nectar.
Mouse lemurs, like
many species on Madagascar, are endemic
to the island and live
sympatrically
with other
primate species. Despite being
localized solely to the island they
occupy various types of forest habitat
including: dry deciduous, gallery,
eucalyptus, arid spiny, sub-arid thorn
scrub, spiny, mangrove, partially
evergreen, evergreen littoral, lowland,
mosaic and montane.
One of the most fascinating and
wonderful things about Mouse lemurs is
their relationship with the Baobab tree
Adansonia. The Baobab tree,
native to the island of Madagascar, is
also known as the Tree of Life.
The magnificent Baobab tree is also known as the Tree of
Life.
Some baobab trees are as old as 2,000
years.
Photo
Credit:
Bernard
Gagnon
These magnificent trees provide animals
living in the surrounding area with
food, water and shelter. Some of these
primarily leafless trees are up to 2000
years old. Mouse Lemurs, post
hibernation following dry season, feed
on nectar from the Baobab tree. Baobabs
are pollinated by Giant Hawk Moths,
Eumorpha typhon,
which the lemurs also catch and eat on
the flowers of the Baobab tree. This
simple act of feeding pollinates the
flowers - allowing the Baobab to
thrive.
Threats to Mouse
lemurs are from habitat loss and
destruction, and predation. Predators
include mongooses, dogs, raptors, snakes
and other nocturnal
viverids.
Mouse lemurs are a
very special part of the primate world
and ecosystem of
biodiversity
rich Madagascar.
They are not only the world’s smallest
primates but also play a large role in
forests with the magnificent Baobab
tree.
What you can do?
What does that mean?
Nocturnal:
Animals that are active during the night
and sleeping during the day. Nocturnal
animals usually have a great sense of
hearing and smell.
Quadrupedal:
To be quadrupedal is to use four
limbs/legs to locomote. This word comes
from the Latin meaning ‘four feet.’
Omnivorous:
Species that eat both plants and
animals. This word also has Latin
origin, Omni meaning ‘everything.’
Arthropod:
These are invertebrate animals with an
exoskeleton, jointed appendages and a
segmented body.
Sympatrically:
This is when two species or groups can
live in the same area and encounter each
other.
Viverids:
Are a group of 35 species including the
genets, binturong, civets and
linsangs.
Biodiversity:
This is the level of variation of life
in an ecosystem, biome or the entire
planet. Biodiversity is a measure of
the health and function of an ecosystem
