Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Cheirogaleidae Scientific Name : Microcebus Murinus Size(L) : 25 - 28cm (9.8 - 11in) Weight : 58g - 67g (2oz - 2.4oz) Top Speed : 32km/h (20mph) Life Span : 3 - 8 years Colour : Grey, Black, White, Brown Skin Type : Fur Distinctive Features : Small body size and large eyes
- Grey Mouse Lemurs are very small primates found exclusively in the island of Madagascar.
- They are one of the world’s smallest primates growing between 25-28cm long and weighing around 60g.
- Despite this, they are the largest mouse lemur species in the forests of Madagascar.
- They get their name from their distinct resemblance to the mouse.
- They inhabit the trees of the tropical woodlands and forests.
- They spend a lot of their time on trees and are known to occupy huge ranges up to 5acres.
- They are nocturnal animals aided by their large eyes to see clearly at night.
- Typically, they hunt alone but rest during the daytime with other grey mouse lemurs.
- They are omnivores feeding on insects, fruits, nuts, berries, shoots and rodents.
- Their natural predators are the fossa, birds of prey and various snakes.
- They breed during the months of September and October.
- The females give birth to 2-3 young ones after a 2-month gestation.
- The mother looks after the baby grey mouse lemurs till they grow independent.
- Habitat loss through deforestation is the grey mouse lemur’s biggest threat today.