First indications of a highland specialist among mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) and evidence for a new mouse lemur species from eastern Madagascar

Abstract

The factors that limit the distribution of the highly diverse lemur fauna of Madagascar are still debated. We visited an understudied region of eastern Madagascar, a lowland rainforest site (Sahafina, 29-230 m a.s.l.) close to the Mantadia National Park, in order to conduct a survey and collect further distributional data on mouse lemurs. We captured, measured, photographed, and sampled mouse lemurs from the Sahafina forest, performed standard phylogenetic methods based on three mitochondrial DNA genes, and conducted morphometric comparisons in order to clarify their phylogenetic position and taxonomic status. The mouse lemurs from the Sahafina forest could not be assigned to any of the known mouse lemur species and were highly divergent in all molecular analyses from all previously described species. Since they also differed morphometrically from their sister species and from their geographic neighbors, we propose species status and include a species description at the end. This study suggests that M. lehilahytsara may be the first highland specialist among all mouse lemurs. The distribution of the newly described mouse lemur is not fully known, but seems to be rather restricted and highly fragmented, which raises serious conservation concerns.

Distribution and Abundance of the World's Smallest Primate, Microcebus berthae, in Central Western Madagascar

“…Lemur species numbers have multiplied over the past two decades, largely as a result of taxonomic revisions based on genetic studies (Markolf et al 2011). Mouse lemurs of the genus Microcebus account for much of that increase, with 21 species presently recognized, most of which inhabit very restricted biogeographic ranges and are therefore highly vulnerable to extinction (Andriantompohavana et al 2006; Kappeler et al 2005; Louis et al 2006, 2008; Olivieri et al 2007; Radespiel et al 2008, 2012; Rasoloarison et al 2000, 2013; Yoder et al 2000). The distribution and conservation status of a majority of newly discovered species remain poorly known, however, as there is a lack of studies assessing lemur ecology and population characteristics across disturbance gradients (Irwin et al 2010).…”

Multilocus coalescent analyses reveal the demographic history and speciation patterns of mouse lemur sister species

“…are small, nocturnal primates that inhabit a wide range of habitats throughout Madagascar. As many as 21 species have been described within the genus [21-25], thus a remarkable increase from the two species taxonomy that was recognized as recently as 1994 [26,27]. The geography of the island has historically been considered to play a significant role in explaining divergence patterns among lemurs and other vertebrate species (e.g.…”

Savoronala, a new genus of Malmideaceae (Lecanorales) from Madagascar with stipes producing sporodochia

“…Indeed, all segments of the biodiversity of the island are very rich in species, most of them being endemic (Goodman and Beanstead 2003). The rate of discovery of new taxa is unabated, including in supposedly well-known groups such as the lemurs (discovery of a further new species of Microcebus in 2012: Radespiel et al 2012), or the chameleons (a puzzling number of cryptic species has just been demonstrated in the dwarf genus Brookesia: Glaw et al 2012).…”