Microcebus tavaratra Rasoloarison et al., 2000

Scientific name:

Microcebus tavaratra

Scientist name:

Rasoloarison et al., 2000

Malagasy:

Tsidy, Tsitsihy, Vokimbahy

English:

Tavaratra Mouse Lemur

German:

Nördlicher Brauner Mausmaki

Other english:

Northern Brown Mouse Lemur, Northern Rufous Mouse Lemur

French:

Microcèbe roux du nord

Family:

CHEIROGALEIDAE Gray, 1873

Taxa:

Microcebus

Species

Identification

Microcebus tavaratra is a relatively large mouse lemur with a head-body length of 12–14 cm, a tail length of 15–16 cm, a total length of 28–29 cm, and a body weight of 45–77 g (Rasoloarison et al., 2000; Andriantompohavana et al., 2006). The dorsal coat is brownish-black with a distinct midline stripe that extends either from the crown or from between the shoulders to the base of the tail. The ventral fur is typically bicolored, a mixture of whitish-beige and gray. The crown and ears are rufous, the region between the eyes is grayish-white, and there are distinct black markings around the anterior portions of the orbits. Although somewhat similar in appearance to M. ravelobensis (known only from the region of Ankarafantsika about 450 km to the southwest), this species is slightly smaller and less robust.

Natural history

This species inhabits tropical dry deciduous lowland and gallery forests (20–250 m above sea level), which include deep canyons and steep rugged limestone pinnacles referred to as “tsingy.” Basic aspects of its ecology and behavior remain to be studied.

Geographic range

Northern Madagascar. M. tavaratra is one of the most northerly of the mouse lemurs, occurring in the Ankarana, Analamerana, Andavakoera and Andrafiamena regions (Rasoloarison et al., 2000; Louis et al., 2008). Earlier records from Ankarana suggested the occurrence of two mouse lemurs, M. rufus and M. murinus, but the records of the former are now attributed to M. tavaratra (see Nicoll and Langrand, 1989). Whether M. murinus is indeed sympatric with M. tavaratra in this region remains to be determined.

Conservation status

The most recent IUCN Red List assessment (2008) classified M. tavaratra as Endangered (EN). The principal threat is habitat loss due to illegal logging, mining for sapphires, uncontrolled brush fires, and charcoal production. It is reported from two protected areas (Analamerana Special Reserve and Ankarana National Park), in the newly-protected forest of Andrafiamena adjacent to Analamerana, and in Andavakoera as well. Field surveys and genetic studies of mouse lemur populations are needed within this broader region.As of 2009, this species was not being kept in captivity (ISIS, 2009).

Where to see it

This species is relatively easy to see in Ankarana National Park, the Analamerana Special Reserve, and in the Andriafamena and Andavakoera Forests. Organized excursions are available from some hotels and through local tour operators in Antsiranana (= Diégo-Suarez). There are basic campsites in Ankarana and very simple accommodations at the Mahamasina entrance along RN6, 108 km from Antsiranana. The best campsite is the Encampment des Anglaises (English Camp), located in a forested canyon accessible from the west by four-wheel drive vehicle in the dry season and by hiking from Mahamasina all year round. For those who prefer not to camp, there is a comfortable hotel in nearby Ambilobe, a drive of about 45 minutes from the reserve entrance at Mahamasina.

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Species

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