MacArthur's mouse lemur

The MacArthur mouse lemur ( Microcebus macarthurii ) is a living primate in Madagascar from the kind of mouse lemurs within the group of lemurs. The species was first described in 2008 by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, the name honors the founder of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which supported the research of the kind financially.

MacArthur mouse lemurs, like all mouse lemurs very small primates, the rounded head is characterized by the large ears and eyes. Her short coat is reddish brown on the top and yellowish - white on the underside. The head is reddish and orange on the cheeks, between the eyes runs a white stripe. The body length is 11 to 12 centimeters, the tail is longer, with around 14.5 centimeters, it is reddish-brown and densely pubescent. The weight of the animals is from 50 to 60 grams.

So far it is the only way out of the Makira region of eastern Madagascar known where it grows in the tropical rainforests. About their life little is known. Mouse lemurs are generally nocturnal and arboreal, most of all eat -driven feed on fruit and other parts of plants and insects.

By slashing and burning, mining and hunting of the newly discovered species is endangered.