Three new primate species found in Madagascar

Now, there are 24 species of mouse lemurs in the island.

Scientists have identified three new species of mouse lemurs in Madagascar, taking the total number of known mouse lemur species to 24.

As little as 20 years ago, only two species of these small, nocturnal primates were known.

Now the number of species is 24

The newly identified species live in the South and East of Madagascar and increase the number of known mouse lemur species to 24, researchers said.

Mouse lemurs are small, nocturnal primates, which are found only in Madagascar — and they all look very similar with their brown fur and large eyes.

Different species can be distinguished reliably only by means of genetic methods.

Yes, these are new to science

“By using new, objective methods to assess genetic differences between individuals, we were able to find independent evidence that these three mouse lemurs represent new species,” said Peter Kappeler, from the German Primate Centre (DPZ).read more