Lesser Mouse
At one time in the fairly recent past, the genus Microcebus was thought to contain just two species with non overlapping ranges: the grey mouse lemur (M.murinus) found in the drier regions of the north, west and south and the brown mouse lemur (M.rufus) of the humid rainforest regions of the east. However, the world of primatology was rocked in 2000 with the announcement that no less than three new species of mouse lemurs had been discovered by an international team of primatologists working in the endangered forests of western Madagascar! That brought the total number of mouse lemur species to eight. Needless to say, in this day and age it is extremely rare that any new species of primate is discovered, much less three in one year!
Like the fat-tailed dwarf lemur, the lesser mouse lemur usually undergoes a season of torpor during Madagascar's dry season (April/May to September/October). At this time, female mouse lemurs become totally inactive and may remain dormant within their tree holes for several months (up to 176days). This conserves energy and reduces the threat of predation during the time of year when resources are scare. During this time, however, males might be much more active than females, perhaps establishing hierarchies for the upcoming breeding season. Prior to the dry season both sexes store large reserves of fat in their hind legs and tail (up to 35% of body weight) which helps get the animals through the period of resource scarcity.
Feeding
The gray mouse lemur is a solitary forager.
It feeds primarily on insects (mostly beetles), fruit, flowers and leaves.
Fact Sheet
Order: Primates; Suborder: Prosimii
Family: Cheirogaleidae; Genus: Microcebus
Species: murinus
Related Species
There are three known species of mouse lemur: the lesser mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), the brown or rufus mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus), and the pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus). M. myoxinus is the smallest living primate.
Key Facts
Adult Size : 1 ½ - 3 ounces
Social life : Solitary forager, strictly nocturnal, sleeps in groups
Habitat : western dry deciduous forest
Diet : insects (mostly beetles), fruit, flowers and leaves
Lifespan : 10 - 15 years
Sexual maturity : 1 year in captivity
Mating : Extremely seasonal, mid-September
Gestation : 59 - 62 days, infants are born in November
Number of young : usually twins, one pair per year
DLC Naming theme : Various herbs and birds (Wintergreen, Sandalwood, Buckthorn, etc.)
Malagasy names : Tsidy, Koitsiky, Titilivaha, Vakiandri, Pondiky
Interesting Facts
- Lesser mouse lemurs are often sighted in gardens and roadside brush.
- Until recently, lesser mouse lemurs were thought to be the smallest living primate. This was disproven when the pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus), thought to be extinct, was re-discovered.
- The lesser mouse lemur is one of the most widespread, abundant, and adaptable lemur species.
Reproduction
In the wild, mating occurs in mid-September, and infants are born 59 - 62 days later in November. The infants, usually twins, are born in a leaf nest or tree hole, and are carried in their mother's mouth if moving them becomes necessary. Infants are independent at two months.
Sexual maturity: 1 year, in captivity
Mating: Extremely seasonal, mid-September
Gestation: 59 - 62 days, infants are born in November
Number of young: Usually twins
Social Behavior
Gray mouse lemurs are nocturnal, solitary foragers who congregate at daytime sleeping sites. Females and dependent offspring will sleep in groups of up to 15. Home ranges of females are grouped into core areas and one male's home range can overlap those of several females. Females are considered to be dominant over males, giving them preferential access to food and the choice of with whom to mate. (Female dominance in primates is unique to prosimians.)
Habitat
Gray mouse lemurs are found throughout the dry deciduous forests and spiny deserts of the south and west from Fort-Dauphin to at least the Sambirano River.
Conservation Concerns
The gray mouse lemur is one of the most widespread, abundant and adaptable lemur species. It is also among the least threatened. It is able to survive in slightly altered habitats and is therefore less threatened by occasional logging than most lemur species. It is also found in all of the protected areas within its range. There are currently over 250 gray mouse lemurs in captivity at over 50 institutions worldwide. The Duke Lemur Center houses seven individuals.