Dwarf lemur
Dwarf lemurs | |
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Greater dwarf lemur(Cheirogaleus major) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Suborder: | Strepsirrhini |
Family: | Cheirogaleidae |
Genus: | Cheirogaleus É. Geoffroy, 1812[1] |
Type species | |
Cheirogaleus major É. Geoffroy, 1812
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Species | |
Synonyms[1][3] | |
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The dwarf lemurs are the lemurs of the genus Cheirogaleus. All of the species in this genus, like all other lemurs, are native to Madagascar.
Description
Measuring 19–27 cm in body length with a tail about 16–17 cm, they are larger than the
Dwarf lemurs roam the lower strata of the foliage in the coastal forests of eastern Madagascar. They are nocturnal and quadrupeds. They have a period of inactivity (torpor) during the winter season lasting between four and five months. Their tail serves as an area for fat storage, most of which is consumed during periods of food scarcity. Like most nocturnal prosimians, dwarf lemurs are reported as living solitary or in pairs. They nest in tree holes where they often sleep together in curled up positions. Their territories are marked by fecal and scent markings. Their diet consists primarily of fruits and flowers and they seem to play a part in the pollination of certain plants. [4]
Classification
As of 2022[update], 10 species are known.
- Genus Cheirogaleus: dwarf lemurs
- Montagne d'Ambre dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus andysabini
- Furry-eared dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus crossleyi
- Groves' dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus grovesi
- Lavasoa dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus lavasoensis
- Greater dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus major
- Fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus medius
- Lesser iron-gray dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus minusculus
- Ankarana dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus shethi
- Sibree's dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus sibreei
- Thomas' dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus thomasi
See also
- List of lemur species
- List of mammals of Madagascar
References
- ^ OCLC 62265494.
- OCLC 28425691.
- ISBN 0-231-11013-8.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-12-372576-9.