Goodman’s mouse lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara)

Species information

Images

Threats

Due to the lack of information regarding this newly described species, the extent to which it is threatened is difficult to determine. However, its presumably small distribution within rainforest means it is highly likely to be threatened by habitat loss and degradation. Humans have already destroyed over 90 percent of Madagascar’s original forest cover, and the remaining forest continues to be threatened by intentional fires, which are lit to clear land for agriculture. The pressure on remaining forest will increase as human populations grow (5).

Conservation

Specimens of Goodman’s mouse lemur have been found within two protected areas; Mantadia National Park and Analamazaotra Special Reserve (2), which may offer the species a small degree of protection. However, there are no conservation measures in place specifically for this little known species, and when faced with such intense threats, it is possible that this species could go extinct before we even understand the basics of its biology.