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Lifespan, longevity, and ageing

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Observations: Not much is known about the longevity of these animals, but one wild born specimen was about 12 years old when it died in captivity (Richard Weigl 2005).
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Behavior

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As in all primates, these lemurs are likely to use a variety of modes of communication. Scent marking is important in advertising estrus, as are the visual signals of touching the genitals and wiping the mouth. Tactile communication is important during mating, as are vocalizations, which let the male know when the female is done.

Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Conservation Status

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Because of the rate of deforestation on Madagascar, all mouse lemur species are considered at risk by CITES. However, brown mouse lemurs are one of the few native Malagasy primates that are still relatively common throughout their range.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix i

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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There are adverse effects of brown mouse lemurs on humans.

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Benefits

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Brown mouse lemurs, along with other components of the unique, native Malagasy fauna, contribute to ecotourism in Madagascar.

Positive Impacts: ecotourism

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Associations

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Brown mouse lemurs are likely to be important in dispersing seeds of the fruits they consume. To the extent that they serve as prey for other animals, they may impact predator populations.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Trophic Strategy

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Brown mouse lemurs are primarily frugivorous, although they also consume insects, young leaves, flowers, gum, and possibly nectar and pollen. Diet varies seasonally with an increase in fruit consumption during the months of December to March. The largest portion of the diet is made up of the fruits produced by plants in the mistletoe genus Bakerella. This genus of plants is foraged upon because of its high fiber and fat content, and is important to build up fat reserves before lemurs enter the season in which they experience torpor.

These animals also consume large insects. They have been found to eat scarab beetles which are 4.5 x 2.5 cm. They also appear to be attracted to flowering trees both for the nectar and for the pollinating insects (Atsalis, 1998).

Animal Foods: insects

Plant Foods: leaves; fruit; nectar; pollen; flowers; sap or other plant fluids

Primary Diet: omnivore

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Distribution

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The range of brown mouse lemurs (Microcebus rufus) includes areas of northern and eastern Madagascar in areas of tropical rainforests and deciduous forests. Brown mouse lemurs can be found in the many protected areas of Madagascar including: Montagne d’ Ambre National Park, Ranomafana National Park, Marojeiy Nature Reserve, and Zahamena Nature Reserve (Harcourt and Thornback, 1990).

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: island endemic

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Habitat

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Microcebus rufus inhabits primary and secondary forested habitats, including forest fringes of the coastal rainforests and secondary bamboo forests (Macdonald, 1984).

Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; rainforest

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Life Expectancy

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Lifespan in brown mouse lemurs is 6 to 8 years in the wild, but when they are in captivity they can reach 10 to 15 years with an average of 12 years in males (Nowak, 1999).

Range lifespan
Status: wild:
6 to 8 years.

Range lifespan
Status: captivity:
10 to 15 years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
12 years.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
12.0 years.

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Morphology

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Brown mouse lemurs are reddish brown to pale brown dorsally, and white to cream on the underside. The pelage is soft. Between the eyes and down the nose, there is a white or cream colored stripe. The cheeks are brownish-red. The ears are medium sized and membranous with well-developed facial and carpal vibrissae (Macdonald, 1984; Rowe, 1996).

Head and body length is 12.5 cm. Tail length is 11.5 cm. These animals weigh around 50 g, although weights are higher in February and March (Mittermeier et al., 1994).

Range mass: 39 to 98 g.

Average mass: 50 g.

Average length: 12.5 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Associations

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Brown mouse lemurs are preyed upon by raptors, small mammalian predators, humans, domestic dogs, and cats (Goodman et al. 1993).

Known Predators:

  • fossae (Cryptoprocta ferox)
  • ringtailed mongooses (Galidia elegans)
  • owls (Strigiformes)
  • Madagascar harrier hawks (Polyboroides radiatus)
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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Reproduction

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This species has a ritualistic courtship before breeding which consists of the males using soft squeak calls and tail-lashing to get the female to copulate. Females alert males to their sexual receptivity through frequent ano-genital rubbing and mouth wiping. Females use threat calls to signal to the males that mating is complete (Perret, 1992).

Male territories overlap with those of several females. Dominant males may mate with several females, making a loose sort of harem.

Mating System: polygynous

Brown mouse lemurs mate between September and October. Females experience an estrous cycle lasting an average of twenty days. The gestation period is approximately 60 days. Young are generally born in November and December, with 1 to 3 offspring per litter. Weaning occurs around 2 months of age, so females may produce 2 litters per year in captivity. Sexual maturity is reached after one year of age.

Developing offspring begin to play with their mother, chasing her and jumping on her hands and feet. This may function to help them develop their locomotion skills.

During the months of winter following their birth, the males of the species leave the areas which they were born (Nowak, 1999).

Breeding interval: Breeding in captivity can take place twice per year.

Breeding season: Breeding occurs during September and October, births occur in November and December.

Range number of offspring: 1 to 3.

Average gestation period: 2 months.

Average weaning age: 2 months.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 years.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous

Average birth mass: 6.5 g.

Average gestation period: 61 days.

Average number of offspring: 2.5.

In the three weeks following birth the offspring remain confined to the nest. The mother exhibits extreme commitment to new infants, leaving the nest only to defecate, urinate, feed, or drink. The offspring are dependent for about 2 months, and then they are weaned and able to survive on their own. Weaning begins at the end of February when food is readily available.

Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female)

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Esser, M. 2002. "Microcebus rufus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Microcebus_rufus.html
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Matthew Esser, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Chris Yahnke, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
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Nancy Shefferly, Animal Diversity Web
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Brown mouse lemur

provided by wikipedia EN

The brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) is a small primate, and like the other mouse lemurs can only be found on the island of Madagascar. They are known also as the rufous mouse lemur, eastern rufous mouse lemur, red mouse lemur, or russet mouse lemur. Its dorsal side is brown or reddish-brown, while ventrally it is a whitish-grey.

It was originally considered a subspecies of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) until 1977, when it was reclassified as a separate species.

The mouse lemurs are among the shortest-lived of primates. The brown mouse lemur has a lifespan of 6–8 years in the wild, although it averages 12 years under human care.[4]

It can be found in rainforests in Eastern Madagascar, and is widely distributed. It is a solitary and nocturnal creature. Brown mouse lemurs are mammals.

Diet

Brown mouse lemur

Brown mouse lemurs are nocturnal creatures,[5] which means they sleep during the day and search for food at night. According to National Geographic, brown mouse lemurs consume “insects, fruit, flowers, and other plants.” They are known to be mostly frugivorous primates (primarily fruit eating), but they can be omnivorous as well.[6] The brown mouse lemur is able to store “thirty-five percent of their body weight” in the form of fat. This fat is stored in the lemur's hind legs and tail and is used for energy when food sources are scarce.

Mating & Breeding

According to Matthew Esser, “Sexual maturity is reached after one year of age.” The brown mouse lemur also has an established mating ritual.[7] A male will use “soft squeak calls and tail-lashing” to signal the female. The female shows that she is willing to mate by “ano-genital rubbing and mouth wiping." When the mating has ended, the female will making a threatening sound. Some of the males who are more dominant will have multiple mates. ”Brown mouse lemurs mate between September and October.” The offspring are usually born between November and December. There are usually one to three young for each litter; females are capable of having one to two litters each year. In the winter months following their birth, the males of the species leave the areas where they were born.[7]

Habitat

The brown mouse lemur generally makes its home in holes found in trees and nests that are made of leaves. On occasion, brown mouse lemurs make use of bird nests. They tend to create the nests in relatively large groups. These groups are made up of the immature young and the females.

Threats

IUCN red list website states that, “The principal threat to this species is habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agriculture.” [6] They are also threatened by natural predators in their habitat. Some of the well-known predators are “fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), ring tailed mongoose(Galidia elegans), owls (Strigiformes), and Madagascar harrier hawk (Polyboroides radiatus)." [7] Some say that brown mouse lemurs could be influential in spreading the seeds of plants and fruits they eat. As a result of deforestation they are at risk of extinction according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Wright, P.; Hearthstone, E.; Zakamanana, F.; Andrianoely, D.; Donohue, M.E. (2020). "Microcebus rufus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T59544947A115588845. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T59544947A115588845.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Checklist of CITES Species". CITES. UNEP-WCMC. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  3. ^ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 113. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
  4. ^ "Animal Diversity Web". Retrieved 2008-03-26.
  5. ^ “Mouse Lemurs, Mouse Lemur Pictures, Mouse Lemur Facts- National Geographic.” National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Support the." Microcebus Rufus (Brown Mouse-lemur, Rufous Mouse-lemur, Rufous Mouse Lemur, Russet Mouse-lemur). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d Esser, Matthew. "Microcebus Rufus (brown Mouse Lemur)." Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2015.

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Brown mouse lemur: Brief Summary

provided by wikipedia EN

The brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus) is a small primate, and like the other mouse lemurs can only be found on the island of Madagascar. They are known also as the rufous mouse lemur, eastern rufous mouse lemur, red mouse lemur, or russet mouse lemur. Its dorsal side is brown or reddish-brown, while ventrally it is a whitish-grey.

It was originally considered a subspecies of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) until 1977, when it was reclassified as a separate species.

The mouse lemurs are among the shortest-lived of primates. The brown mouse lemur has a lifespan of 6–8 years in the wild, although it averages 12 years under human care.

It can be found in rainforests in Eastern Madagascar, and is widely distributed. It is a solitary and nocturnal creature. Brown mouse lemurs are mammals.

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