A new dwarf lemur species has been discovered in the dry and transitional forests of northern Madagascar, according to a paper published in the latest issue of the journal Primate Conservation.Dwarf lemurs (genus Cheirogaleus) are small, nocturnal primates endemic to the island of Madagascar.

The new species was described by Dr. Cynthia Frasier of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and her colleagues from the United States, Madagascar and Australia.

The species’ scientific name is Cheirogaleus shethi. The proposed English name is the Sheth’s dwarf lemur.

“This new species is named after Brian Sheth, the Chair of the Board of the NGO Global Wildlife Conservation,” the researchers explained in the paper.

“Brian is deeply committed to biodiversity conservation worldwide, and is a leading philanthropist for species and ecosystem conservation.”

“He has supported many projects in Madagascar, including research and the establishment and management of nature reserves.”

So far, the new species is known from northern Madagascar, from Ankarana east to Bekaraoka in dry and transitional forests.-read more