NewCritters.com

In the current issue of the International Journal of Primatology [abstract], Dr. Edward E. Louis, Jr, of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo identifies three new species of mouse lemur. Mittermeier’s Mouse Lemur, Jolly’s Mouse Lemur and Simmons’s Mouse Lemur, are the three new species of discovered lemurs in the Eastern forest of Madagascar. Dr. Louis is head of the Genetics Department of the Center for Conservation and Research (CCR) at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

Microcebus mittermieri (above) is named in honor of Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier, President of Conservation International, who has strongly support primate conservation in Madagascar and around the world.

Microcebus jollyae is named in honor of Dr. Alison Jolly, Professor at Princeton University. She has been a researcher and conservationist in Madagascar since 1966, working at Berenty Private Reserve.

Microcebus simmonsi is named in honor of Dr. Lee G. Simmons, Director of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, who has been a long-term, active supporter of conservation programs in Madagascar and throughout the world.

Mouse lemurs are the smallest primates in the world. The discovery of these tiny critters join other recentlty announced lemur discoveries including Avahi cleesei, the John Cleese/Monty Python lemur.

For more check out the National Geographic article, Three New Lemurs Discovered, Add to Madagascar’s Diversity.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Cheirogaleidae
Genus: Microcebus