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Lemurs are one of the most well known of the Malagasy mammalian species. They are also amongst the most primitive of living primates. The study of lemurs allows scientists to learn all about primates life-story traits, behaviors, and ecological evolution. Many species of lemurs have been found during the two last decades.
The 71 species and subspecies of primates in Madagascar are all endemic. 63 per cent are threatened with extinction. 16 species of lemur species had disappeared during the past 2000 years.
New species of lemurs are also being found. Recently, scientists have discovered the following list: thee Microcebus Sambiranensis, the Microcebus Barthae, the Microcebus Lehilahitsara, the Microcebus Tavaratra, the Microcebus Ravelobenis, the Cheriogaleus Minisculus, the Cheriogaleus Ravus, Mirza Zaza, and the Avahi Cleesei.
Lemurs are widely found in the rainforests of Madagascar but some species remains difficult to observe, like the Aye-Aye for example, which is found only the north of the island.
| The largest of all lemurs is the Indri Indri |
Head-body length: 64 to 72 cm
Tail: 5 cm
Weight: 6 kg to 9.5 kg |
| The smallest is the Microcebus: |
Head-body size: between 12 and 16 cm
Total size incuding the tail: 24 to 30 cm
Weight: 40 to 90 g |
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