Margot Marsh's mouse lemur or the Antafondro mouse lemur (Microcebus margotmarshae)
Appearance
Microcebus margotmarshae is a species of primate mammal in the family Cheirogaleidae. It weighs about 41 grams, although, as with other mouse lemurs, the weight varies seasonally. The holotype found in 2006 weighed 49 grams, had a body length of 8.4 cm and a tail length of 14.3 cm. The holotype had a head circumference of 3.2 cm, a snout length of 9.5 mm, an ear length of 15.4 mm and an ear width of 8.7 mm.
The coat is predominantly reddish-orange with grey patches on the back and tail, light cream or white on the chest and belly. The head is a light reddish colour. The muzzle and the fur around the eyes are light brown, with a small blond mark between the eyes on the bridge of the nose. The ears are small.
Distribution
Found in the Antafondro Classified Forest Special Reserve in Madagascar, south of the Andranomalaza River and north of the Maevarano River in Antsiranana Province.
Etymology
The name margotmarshae was chosen in honour of Margot Marsh, who made generous lifetime contributions to primate conservation initiatives in many different countries. Upon her death in 1995, the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation was founded to continue supporting her efforts to help safeguard the future of threatened primates.
