Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur
Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur | |
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Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur near Lake Alaotra | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Suborder: | Strepsirrhini |
Family: | Lemuridae |
Genus: | Hapalemur |
Species: | H. alaotrensis
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Binomial name | |
Hapalemur alaotrensis | |
Distribution of H. alaotrensis[1] |
The Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis), also known as the Lac Alaotra gentle lemur, Alaotran bamboo lemur, Alaotran gentle lemur, Alaotra reed lemur,
Taxonomy
The classification of the bandro is disputed, with some classifying it as a subspecies of
Description
The tail and body of the Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur are both 40 cm (16 in) on average, and it weighs 1.1–1.4 kg (2.4–3.1 lb), with males slightly larger than females.[8] Its dense, woolly fur is a gray-brown on the back, lighter gray on the face and chest, and chestnut brown on the head and neck.[8]
Ecology
This lemur is the only primate specifically adapted to living in
Status
The population of Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur is declining as suitable habitat around the lake is being destroyed and converted to rice fields. Other threats include the burning of the marshland and hunting of the lemurs for food and the pet trade. The
Threats
Conversion of the marsh habitat to rice fields poses a severe threat to the survival of the Hapalemur alaotrensis species. While the remaining marshlands are resistant to conversion due to regular flooding, the potential implementation of a major drainage project in the region could significantly jeopardize the species' existence.[1] Burning of the remaining marshlands is a common practice for fishing and cattle grazing, leading to increased aquatic plants that choke fishing areas. This cycle of burning not only poses a direct threat to the lemurs but also limits marsh regeneration after flooding, exacerbating the challenges faced by the Hapalemur alaotrensis population.[1] Hunting for food and capturing lemurs for pets have significantly contributed to the decline in Hapalemur alaotrensis numbers. Local communities employ various hunting and trapping methods, including direct pursuit by dogs, harpooning, snares, and habitat burning. With over 1,000 lemurs hunted annually in certain years, anthropogenic pressures remain a considerable threat to the species' survival.[1]
References
- ^ . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Checklist of CITES Species". CITES. UNEP-WCMC. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- ^ OCLC 62265494.
- ^ "Mammal Diversity Database". mammaldiversity.org. American Society of Mammalologists. 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
- ^ Pastorini, J., Forstner, M. R. J. and Martin, R. D. 2002. Phylogenetic relationships of gentle lemurs (Hapalemur). Evolutionary Anthropology 11, 150-154.
- ^ Figure 1 of Pastorini, J., Forstner, M. R. J. and Martin, R. D. 2002. Phylogenetic relationships of gentle lemurs (Hapalemur). Evolutionary Anthropology 11, 150-154
- ^ NCBI taxonomy database: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi
- ^ a b Mittermeier, Russell A.; Konstant, William R.; Hawkins, Frank; Louis, Edward E. & Langrand, Olivier (2006). Lemurs of Madagascar (2nd ed.). Conservation International. pp. 222–225. Retrieved 2006-10-29.
- ISBN 978-1-4613-7131-1.