The brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus)
The brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) is included in the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species
The brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) is a small primate, and like the other mouse lemurs can only be found on the island of Madagascar. They are known also as the rufous mouse lemur, eastern rufous mouse lemur, red mouse lemur, or russet mouse lemur. Its dorsal side is brown or reddish-brown, while ventrally it is a whitish-grey.
It was originally considered a subspecies of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) until 1977, when it was reclassified as a separate species.
Appearance
Microcebus rufus is a species of strepsirrhine primate belonging to the family Cheirogaleidae. Microcebus rufus have a reddish-brown to light brown upper body and a white to cream under body. The fur is soft. There is a white or cream coloured stripe between the eyes and under the nose. The cheeks are brownish red. The ears are of medium size.
Length of body 12.5 cm. The tail is 11.5 cm long. Body weight is about 50 g, although it is slightly heavier in February and March.
Distribution
Microcebus rufus is distributed in the tropical forest areas of northern and eastern Madagascar. The natural habitats of this species are primary and secondary forests, including coastal rainforest belts and secondary bamboo forests.
Behaviour and nutrition
Like other primates, Microcebus rufus use various modes of communication with each other. Marking is important during the oestrus period, as are visual signals, such as touching their genitalia.
Microcebus rufus feed mainly on the fruits of plants, although they may occasionally eat insects, young leaves, flowers, tree resin, nectar and flower pollen. Diet changes seasonally, with increased fruit consumption between December and March.
Reproduction
Microcebus rufus perform a courtship ritual prior to mating, which involves using a soft, resonant screech and tail-wagging to attract females for mating. Females alert males to their sexual receptivity by frequent rubbing of the genitalia and cleaning of the mouth.
There are often several females living in male territories. Dominant males may mate with several females, creating a kind of harem.
Microcebus rufus mate between September and October. Pregnancy lasts about 60 days. The young are born in November and December, with 1 to 3 young per litter. Lactation lasts two months and pups are weaned from mother's milk in February, when food is available. Puberty occurs after 1 year of age.
Microcebus rufus live 6 to 8 years in the wild, but can survive 10 to 15 years in captivity.
