January 15, 2018 by Bob Yirka, Phys.org report
A team of researchers with members from the
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
and Aquarium, Global Wildlife Conservation and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
has discovered a new species of lemur living in southeastern Madagascar. In
their paper published in the journal Primate Conservation, the group
describes features of the new species, some of its observed behaviors and the
two places on Madagascar it was found.
The researchers report that the newly
discovered species is a little smaller than the North American squirrel
(approximately 6 inches long) and features large, round black eyes, teddy
bear-like ears, fluffy long tails and dexterous hands.
The members of the new rainforest species,
the team reports, spend their time up in the canopy, which provides them
shelter, food and a place to reproduce. They are believed to exist in social
groups, but sometimes spend time alone, as well. Some specimens were captured
via dart guns and nets to catch them when they fell. The team took measurements
and blood and tissue samples for later study. Such samples were crucial in
proving that the species was unique, as some were used to perform DNA analysis
and comparison with other lemur species.
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