Three new lemur species have been identified in Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa.

Scientists from the German Primate Center (DPZ), the University of Kentucky, the American Duke Lemur Center and the Université d’Antananarivo in Madagascar have described three new species of Mouse Lemurs.

The identification of new lemur species has been made possible by developments in genetics research as well as improved access to remote forests. The discovery of new lemur species has numerous benefits. Knowing the distribution of individual species helps conservationists identify habitats in need of protection.

Peter Kappeler, who has conducted research at the field station of the German Primate Center in Madagascar for more than 20 years, says:

Furthermore, this new information is an important element towards better understanding how biodiversity on Madagascar arose.

Lemur climbing a tree at night. By G. Donati

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) cites more than 100 known lemur species as threatened by extinction. The identification of individual species and their geographic ranges will help conservationists protect these endangered mammals.

Feature photo: Mouse Lemur in tree. By nomis-simon
Read the original article at German Primate Center