Gray mouse lemur

Gray mouse lemur ( Microcebus murinus )

The gray mouse lemur ( Microcebus murinus ) is a primate of the species of mouse lemurs within the group of lemurs. He is one of the best understood and most widely distributed species of its genus.

Features

The gray mouse lemur is one of the major representatives of the mouse lemurs. It reaches a body length 12-14 inches, the tail is 12 to 15 inches long. The average weight is 60 grams, it varies between 40 and 70 grams and is strongly subjected to seasonal fluctuations. Their fur is gray brown on the top, the underside is whitish or light brown. The ears are relatively large compared to other mouse lemurs and stand out clearly. The eyes are also large.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the gray mouse lemur runs along the entire western and south-west coast of Madagascar. In this large distribution area they inhabit different types of woods, especially dry deciduous forests. They are also found in orchards and gardens, and are likely to be very flexible and adaptable in their claims. A special feature of this species lives in many areas in sympatry with other Mausmakiarten.

Way of life

Grey mouse lemurs are nocturnal mouse lemurs, like all tree dwellers. During the day they sleep in tree hollows, they pad with plants, or homemade sheets nests. The females can form groups of two to nine animals sleep during the day together, go out at night but separate in search of food. The males tend to live solitary, they exhibit territorial behavior and mark their territory with urine or feces. The territories of males are sometimes four times as large as that of females and are strongly overlapping, especially during the breeding season.

Grey mouse lemurs fall during the dry winter months ( June to September) in a short torpor or a long hibernation. Hibernation was observed mainly in the females. To this end, they shall during the wet season a fat stock in her tail to. During the torpor of her body weight is reduced considerably and the body temperature is lowered.

Food

The gray mouse lemur feeds on fruits, flowers, insects and resins. The food spectrum changes depending on availability. Thus, in the rainy season mainly fruits are consumed and in the dry season resins and insects.

Reproduction

Mating takes place immediately after the end of the dry season in September or October. After about 60 days of gestation time to come in November or December usually two (rarely three) pups. Partly it, then, depending on the area and duration of the rainy season, to a second breeding season with a second mating season in December and a second litter in January and February. The juveniles spend their first weeks of life in the nest of the mother. Later, they are then carried around by the mother during nocturnal activity in his mouth and parked for one to two hours at different locations in the undergrowth ( infant parking), while the mother goes in search of food.

Threat

The gray mouse lemur is seen at present due to its wide distribution and its generalist life not as a threat. He is one of the most lemurs, the IUCN lists it as " not at risk " ( least concern ).