The #1 source for news about monkeys and apes

[Alexandra Ringe <aringe AT modernhumorist.com>]

Three new primate species discovered in Madagascar
http://www.salon.com/people/wire/2000/11/13/new_primates/index.html


Three new primate species discovered in Madagascar


- - - - - - - - - - - -
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Nov. 13, 2000 | Scientists working in Madagascar say they have discovered
three previously unknown species of mouse lemurs, the world's smallest
primate. 

Lemurs are the most primitive primates and are among the world's most
endangered species. The newly discovered lemurs represent a small but
encouraging sign to conservationists.

Madagascar is the world's only home to about 40 species of lemurs, including
two previously known species of mouse lemurs.

An international team confirmed the new varieties by genetic tests as well
as by small differences in their skulls, teeth and other physical
characteristics. 

"It's incredibly rare to discover a new species of primate, let alone three
new species," said Steven Goodman of the Field Museum of Natural History in
Chicago, who participated in the study. Other participants were from Germany
and Madagascar. 

The three newly discovered species inhabit only the dry, dense forests along
the island's west coast. They are about the size of a chipmunk and weigh a
few ounces. They eat beetles, fruit and plants. They are active only at
night. 

The scientists said they also found what they believe are two more
previously unknown species of mouse lemur, but the determination must be
approved by an international panel of primate experts.

Madagascar is a large island off Africa's east coast. Scientists believe it
split off the continent about 165 million years ago and many of its plant
and animal species are unique to the island. The oldest lemur fossils are
about 58 million years old, making them important links in studies of the
evolution of humans and other primates.

Madagascar has been stripped of 90 percent of its original forests,
threatening the survival of many species.

Conservationists fear that 10 percent of the world's primate species, which
also include humans, apes and monkeys, will go extinct in the next 10 or 20
years. 

- - - - - - - - - - - -