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{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = Small-toothed Sportive Lemur<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Groves|pages=118|id=12100071}}</ref>
| name = Small-toothed sportive lemur
| status_system = iucn3.1
| status_system = iucn3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN/>
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008|assessors=Hoffmann, M.|year=2008|id=11619|title=Lepilemur microdon|downloaded=1 January 2009}}</ref>
| status = DD
| status = DD
| status2 = CITES_A1
| status2_system = CITES
| status2_ref = {{Sfn|Harcourt|1990|p=89}}
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
Line 15: Line 18:
| synonyms =
| synonyms =
| range_map = Lepilemur microdon range map.svg
| range_map = Lepilemur microdon range map.svg
| range_map_caption = Small-toothed Sportive Lemur range
| range_map_caption = Small-toothed sportive lemur range
}}
}}


The '''small-toothed sportive lemur''' (''Lepilemur microdon''), or '''small-toothed weasel lemur''', is a [[primate]] species in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Lepilemuridae]] that—like all [[lemur]]s—is [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[Madagascar]]. The species lives in dense [[rainforest]] in southeastern Madagascar, and can be found in [[Ranomafana National Park]] and [[Andringitra National Park]]. Described in 1894, it was considered either a [[subspecies]] or [[Synonym (taxonomy)|taxonomic synonym]] of the [[weasel sportive lemur]] (''Lepilemur mustelinus'') throughout most of the 1900s. [[Phylogenetics|Phylogenetic studies]] not only support its species status, but also suggest that the species evolved after [[Biological dispersal|dispersing]] to its current location, rather than evolving with the help of geographic barriers ([[allopatric speciation]]).
The '''Small-toothed Sportive Lemur''' ('''''Lepilemur microdon'''''), or '''Small-toothed Weasel Lemur''', is a species of [[lemur]] in the [[Lepilemuridae]] family. It is [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[Madagascar]]. Its natural [[habitat]] is subtropical or tropical dry [[forest]]s. It is threatened by [[habitat loss]].<ref name=iucn/>

As its name implies, some of its teeth are smaller than those in other [[sportive lemur]]s. It is relatively large for a sportive lemur, and is difficult to visually distinguish from the weasel sportive lemur. The species weighs between {{convert|0.9|and|1.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and measures {{convert|55|to|64|cm|in|abbr=on}} from head to tail. Its fur is mostly reddish-brown or chestnut color, with a dark stripe running from its head down its back. Its underside and neck are lighter in color. Like other sportive lemurs, it is nocturnal, sleeping in tree holes and concealed tangles of vines and leaves. The small-toothed sportive lemur is solitary and eats leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Due to recent taxonomic changes and a lack of clarity about its population size and range, it is listed as "[[Data Deficient]]" by the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]] (IUCN). It is also protected from international commercial trade under [[CITES#Appendix_I|CITES Appendix I]]. Its primary threats are [[habitat loss]] to [[slash and burn]] agriculture and hunting.

==Etymology==
The small-toothed sport lemur, or small-toothed weasel lemur,{{LoM3 Sfn|pp=252–253}} is named for its small [[premolar]] and [[Molar (tooth)|molar teeth]], relative to other [[sportive lemur]]s.{{Sfn|Forbes|1894|p=88}} The species name ''microdon'' derived from ''micro'' (Greek), meaning "small"{{Sfn|Borror|1960|p=59}} and ''-odon'' (Greek), meaning "tooth."{{Sfn|Borror|1960|p=65}}

==Taxonomy and phylogeny==
{{cladogram|align=left|width=300|title=
|clade=
{{clade
|style=font-size:75%;line-height:75%
|label1=
|1={{clade
|1={{clade
|1={{clade
|1={{clade
|1=''Lepilemur'' section A
|label2=&nbsp;''Lepilemur''&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;section&nbsp;B
|2={{clade
|1={{clade
|1=''[[Milne-Edwards' Sportive Lemur|L.&nbsp;edwardsi]]''
|2={{clade
|1=''[[Grewcock's Sportive Lemur|L.&nbsp;grewcockorum]]''
|2=''[[Otto's Sportive Lemur|L.&nbsp;otto]]''
}}
}}
|2='''''L.&nbsp;microdon'''''
}}
}}
|2=''Lepilemur'' section C
}}
|2=''Lepilemur'' section D
}}
}}
}}
|caption=Phylogeny and relationships of ''L.&nbsp;microdon'' with its most closely related ''Lepilemur'' species based on [[mitochondrial DNA]] sequences.{{Sfn|Ramaromilanto|Lei|Engberg|Johnson|2009|pp=8–9}}
}}
The small-toothed sportive lemur, a member of the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Lepilemuridae]],{{Sfn|Groves|2005|p=118}}{{LoM3 Sfn|pp=252–253}} was first described in 1894 by [[Charles Immanuel Forsyth Major]], based on a specimen found in the Ankafana Forest in the eastern districts of the former Betsileo [[Provinces of Madagascar|province]] in central [[Madagascar]].{{Sfn|Forbes|1894|p=88}} Until the 1990s, there was some dispute over the [[Taxonomy|taxonomic status]] of the species.{{Sfn|Nowak|1999|p=82}} For much of the 20th century, the small-toothed sportive lemur was considered a subspecies of the [[weasel sportive lemur]] (''Lepilemur mustelinus'').{{Sfn|Rumpler|Albignac|1978|p=191}} In his book ''[[The Primates of Madagascar]]'' from 1982, [[primatologist]] [[Ian Tattersall]] deviated from the traditional view by considering ''L.&nbsp;microdon'' a [[Synonym (taxonomy)|synonym]] of the weasel sportive lemur, while also recognizing only a single species of [[sportive lemur]] within the [[genus]] ''Lepilemur''. Tattersall based his decision on what he considered to be a lack of detailed anatomical studies and field surveys, while also factoring in the difficulty in observing the animals in the wild, the presence of only subtle variations among museum specimens, and his own unwillingness to consider differences in [[karyotype]]s as grounds for defining distinct species.{{Sfn|Tattersall|1982|pp=73–75}} However, primatologist [[Russell Mittermeier]], ''et&nbsp;al''. in ''[[Lemurs of Madagascar]]'' (1994),{{LoM1 Sfn|p=131}} taxonomist [[Colin Groves]] in ''[[Mammal Species of the World]]'' (2005),{{Sfn|Groves|2005|p=118}} and others favored recognizing the small-toothed sportive lemur as a species while also recognizing a total of seven sportive lemur species.{{Sfn|Nowak|1999|p=82}} There have since been many species added to the ''Lepilemur'' genus, including 11&nbsp;species described in 2006,{{Sfn|Louis, Jr.|Engberg|Lei|Geng|2006|pp=19–29}} and the small-toothed sportive lemur remains a distinct species.{{LoM3 Sfn|pp=230–313}}

Between 2006 and 2009, three studies were published to resolve the [[Phylogenetics|phylogenetic]] relationships between the sportive lemurs. [[Cytogenetics|Cytogenetic]] and [[Molecular clock|molecular]] studies in 2006 and 2008 concluded that the small-toothed sportive lemur is most closely related to the [[Milne-Edwards' Sportive Lemur|Milne-Edwards' sportive lemur]] (''L.&nbsp;edwardsi'').{{Sfn|Rumpler|Warter|Hauwy|Fausser|2008|p=1151}}{{Sfn|Andriaholinirina|Fausser|Roos|Zinner|2006|p=6}} In 2009, a [[mitochondrial DNA]] (mtDNA) and [[D-loop]] study examined every known species, including the species most recently described. The resulting data placed the sportive lemurs into four groups: Section A from northern and northwestern Madagascar, section B from northwestern Madagascar, section C from west central and southern Madagascar, and section D from eastern Madagascar. Only the small-toothed sportive lemur generated conflicting results when comparing the results between the mtDNA and D-loop data.{{Sfn|Ramaromilanto|Lei|Engberg|Johnson|2009|p=11}} The mtDNA placed it in section B,{{Sfn|Ramaromilanto|Lei|Engberg|Johnson|2009|pp=8–9}} while the D-loop data placed it in section D.{{Sfn|Ramaromilanto|Lei|Engberg|Johnson|2009|p=7}} These inconsistencies suggest the ancestral small-toothed sportive lemur population [[Biological dispersal|dispersed]] using river corridors instead of being separated from its nearest relatives by geographic barriers ([[allopatric speciation]]).{{Sfn|Ramaromilanto|Lei|Engberg|Johnson|2009|p=11}}

==Physical description==
Compared to other sportive lemurs, the small-toothed sportive lemur is relatively large, weighing between {{convert|0.9|and|1.2|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and measuring {{convert|55|to|64|cm|in|abbr=on}} from head to tail. Its head-body length is {{convert|27|to|32|cm|in|abbr=on}}, and its tail measures between {{convert|25|and|29|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{LoM3 Sfn|p=252}} The species is nearly identical in coloration to the weasel sportive lemur and can only be visually distinguished based on geographic location.{{LoM3 Sfn|p=252}} The small-toothed sportive lemur has a dark stripe in the center of its forehead that lights as it runs down the back. Its [[pelage]] (fur) is thick and reddish-brown, while its underside and neck are pale gray-brown, and sometimes have a yellowish or yellowish-gray hue. The shoulders and fore-limbs have a bright chestnut color. The color darkens to russet between the shoulders, down to the hind-limbs and tail. The tail is darkest at the tip.{{LoM3 Sfn|p=252}}{{Sfn|Forbes|1894|p=88}}

Like all sportive lemurs, they can easily be confused with [[woolly lemur]]s (genus ''Avahi''), and sometimes with the much smaller [[dwarf lemur]]s (genus ''Cheirogaleus''). Unlike the the woolly lemurs, sportive lemurs have prominent ears and lack the white patches usually found the the thighs of woolly lemurs. All sportive lemurs have long legs compared to their arms and trunk, the face is covered with short hairs,{{LoM3 Sfn|p=231}} and the [[cecum]] (beginning of the large intestine) is enlarged, presumably to handle its leaf-rich diet, which is more characteristic of larger primates.{{Sfn|Porter|1998|p=172}}

In contrast to other sportive lemurs—and as its name suggests—the small-toothed sportive lemur has significantly smaller molar teeth, and small premolars. Compared with the weasel sportive lemur, its [[bony palate]] is longer and it has a depression at the base of the nasal (nose) region.{{Sfn|Forbes|1894|p=88}}

==Habitat and distribution==
The small-toothed sportive lemur is found in southeastern Madagascar, ranging from [[Ranomafana National Park]] southwest to [[Andringitra National Park]].{{LoM3 Sfn|p=252}} The [[Namorona River]] acts as the northern border of its range, and the [[Manampatrana River]] may act as a southern border, where the species seems to be replaced by the [[James' Sportive Lemur|James' sportive lemur]] (''Lepilemur jamesorum'').<ref name=IUCN/> Further studies are needed to clarify its range and relationship between other sportive lemurs in southeastern Madagascar. The species inhabits dense [[rainforest]].{{LoM3 Sfn|p=252}}

==Behavior and ecology==
Like all sportive lemurs, the small-toothed sportive lemur is [[Nocturnality|nocturnal]], sleeping in tree cavities or hidden tangles of vines and leaves during the day. The species is considered solitary, and like other rainforest-dwelling sportive lemurs, they vocalize significantly less than sportive lemurs that live in drier forests. The species eats leaves, fruits, and flowers.{{LoM3 Sfn|p=252}}

==Conservation==
The small-toothed sportive lemur is listed under [[CITES#Appendix_I|CITES Appendix I]], which prohibits international commercial trade.<ref name=IUCN/>{{Sfn|Harcourt|1990|p=89}} The IUCN originally [[IUCN Red List|listed]] the species as "[[Lower Risk]]", first in 1996 under the sub-classification "least concern", and then in 2000 under the sub-classification "near threatened". Prior to the taxonomic changes that resulted in many new species of sportive lemur, the small-toothed sportive lemur was considered to have a widespread distribution, but now has a how has a more restricted range.<ref name=IUCN/> During its 2008 assessment, its population size, geographic range, and other factors were unclear, resulting in the classification "[[Data Deficient]]."<ref name=IUCN/>{{LoM3 Sfn|p=253}} Given the known threats the species faces, and as its distribution because better known, the IUCN states that the species may merit "[[Threatened]]" status in the future.<ref name=IUCN/>

Like many species of lemur, it is threatened with [[habitat loss]] from [[slash and burn]] agriculture and by increasing hunting pressure. It is hunted with spears and is also captured when trees with sleeping holes are cut down.<ref name=IUCN/> The small-toothed sportive lemur is known to occur in both Ranomafana National Park and Andringitra National Park, although it may also be found in [[Midongy du sud National Park]]. However, this national park is at the extreme southern end of its geographic range, and may actually represent a population of [[Fleurete's Sportive Lemur]] (''Lepilemur fleuretae'').{{LoM3 Sfn|p=253}}

No small-toothed sportive lemurs were maintained in captivity as of 2009.{{LoM3 Sfn|p=253}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=
{{reflist}}
{{commons category|Lepilemur microdon}}


<ref name=IUCN>{{IUCN|assessors=Hoffmann, M.|assessment_year=2008|id=11619|taxon=Lepilemur microdon|version=2010.4|accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref>
{{Lepilemuridae nav}}


}}
[[Category:Sportive lemurs]]


===Literature cited===
{{Refbegin}}
* <!-- Andriaholinirina|Fausser|Roos|Zinner|2006 -->{{cite doi | 10.1186/1471-2148-6-17}}


* <!-- Borror|1960 -->{{cite book | last = Borror | first = D.J. | title = Dictionary of Word Roots and Combining Forms | publisher = Mayfield Publishing Company | year = 1960 | isbn = 978-0-87484-053-7 | ref = harv}}
{{lemur-stub}}

* <!-- Forbes|1894|p=88 -->{{cite book | last = Forbes | first = Henry O. | editor-last = Sharpe | editor-first = R. Bowdler | title = Handbook of Primates | year = 1894 | volume = 1 | publisher = W. H. Allen & Co. Limited | location = London | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=QBUXAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA88 | accessdate = 7 March 2011}}

* <!-- Groves|2005 -->{{MSW3 Groves|id=12100071}}

* <!-- Louis, Jr.|Engberg|Lei|Geng|2006 -->{{cite journal | last1 = Louis, Jr. | first1 = Edward E. | last2 = Engberg | first2 = Shannon E. | last3 = Lei | first3 = Runhua | last4 = Geng | first4 = Huimin | last5 = Sommer | first5 = Julie A. | last6 = Randriamampionona | first6 = Richard | last7 = Randriamanana | first7 = Jean C. | last8 = Zaonarivelo | first8 = John R. | last9 = Andriantompohavana | first9 = Rambinintsoa | last10 = Randria | first10 = Gisele | year = 2006 | title = Molecular and morphological analyses of the sportive lemurs (Family Megaladapidae: Genus ''Lepilemur'') reveals 11 previously unrecognized species | journal = Texas Tech University Special Publications | publisher = Museum of Texas Tech University | issue = 49 | pages = 1–49 | url = http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/publications/opapers/specpubs/SP49.pdf | format = PDF | issn = 0169-0237 | isbn = 1-929330-10-3 | oclc = 75214264 | ref = harv}}

* <!-- Harcourt|1990 -->{{cite book | last = Harcourt | first = C. | editor-last = Thornback | editor-first = J | title = Lemurs of Madagascar and the Comoros: The IUCN Red Data Book | publisher = World Conservation Union | year = 1990 | isbn = 978-2-88032-957-0 | ref = harv}}

* {{LoM3}}

* {{LoM1}}

* <!-- Porter|1998 --> {{cite doi | 10.1159/000021580}}

* <!-- Ramaromilanto|Lei|Engberg|Johnson|2009 -->{{cite journal| last1 = Ramaromilanto | first1 = B. | last2 = Lei | first2 = R. | last3 = Engberg | first3 = S.E. | last4 = Johnson | first4 = S.E. | last5 = Sitzmann | first5 = B.D. | last6 = Louis, Jr. | first6 = E.E. | title = Sportive lemur diversity at Mananara-Nord Biosphere Reserve, Madagascar | journal = Occasional Papers | publisher = Museum of Texas Tech University | issue = 286 | pages = 1–22 | year = 2009 | url = http://www.nsrl.ttu.edu/publications/opapers/ops/OP286.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2009-05-23 | issn = 0149-175X | oclc = 424383680 | ref = harv}}

* <!-- Rumpler|Warter|Hauwy|Fausser|2008 -->{{cite doi | 10.1007/s10577-008-1265-z}}

* <!-- Rumpler|Albignac|1978 -->{{cite doi | 10.1016/S0047-2484(78)80110-9}}

* <!-- Tattersall|1982 -->{{cite book | last = Tattersall | first = I. | title = The Primates of Madagascar | year = 1982 | publisher = Columbia University Press | chapter = The Living Species of Malagasy Primates | isbn = 0-231-04704-5 | ref = harv}}

* <!-- Nowak|1999 -->{{cite book | last = Nowak |first = R.M. | publisher = Johns Hopkins University Press | title = Walker's Mammals of the World | edition = 6th | year = 1999 | isbn = 0-8018-5789-9 | ref = harv}}
{{Refend}}

{{Lepilemuridae nav}}
{{Subject bar | portal1 = Primates | portal2 = Madagascar | commons = y | commons-search = Category:Lepilemur microdon | species = y | species-search = Lepilemur microdon}}

[[Category:Sportive lemurs]]
[[Category:Animals described in 1894]]


[[de:Kleinzahn-Wieselmaki]]
[[de:Kleinzahn-Wieselmaki]]

Revision as of 09:43, 7 March 2011

Small-toothed sportive lemur
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
L. microdon
Binomial name
Lepilemur microdon
Small-toothed sportive lemur range

The small-toothed sportive lemur (Lepilemur microdon), or small-toothed weasel lemur, is a primate species in the family Lepilemuridae that—like all lemurs—is endemic to Madagascar. The species lives in dense rainforest in southeastern Madagascar, and can be found in Ranomafana National Park and Andringitra National Park. Described in 1894, it was considered either a subspecies or taxonomic synonym of the weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus) throughout most of the 1900s. Phylogenetic studies not only support its species status, but also suggest that the species evolved after dispersing to its current location, rather than evolving with the help of geographic barriers (allopatric speciation).

As its name implies, some of its teeth are smaller than those in other sportive lemurs. It is relatively large for a sportive lemur, and is difficult to visually distinguish from the weasel sportive lemur. The species weighs between 0.9 and 1.2 kg (2.0 and 2.6 lb) and measures 55 to 64 cm (22 to 25 in) from head to tail. Its fur is mostly reddish-brown or chestnut color, with a dark stripe running from its head down its back. Its underside and neck are lighter in color. Like other sportive lemurs, it is nocturnal, sleeping in tree holes and concealed tangles of vines and leaves. The small-toothed sportive lemur is solitary and eats leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Due to recent taxonomic changes and a lack of clarity about its population size and range, it is listed as "Data Deficient" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is also protected from international commercial trade under CITES Appendix I. Its primary threats are habitat loss to slash and burn agriculture and hunting.

Etymology

The small-toothed sport lemur, or small-toothed weasel lemur,[3] is named for its small premolar and molar teeth, relative to other sportive lemurs.[4] The species name microdon derived from micro (Greek), meaning "small"[5] and -odon (Greek), meaning "tooth."[6]

Taxonomy and phylogeny

Lepilemur section A

 Lepilemur 
 section B

L. edwardsi

L. grewcockorum

L. otto

L. microdon

Lepilemur section C

Lepilemur section D

Phylogeny and relationships of L. microdon with its most closely related Lepilemur species based on mitochondrial DNA sequences.[7]

The small-toothed sportive lemur, a member of the family Lepilemuridae,[8][3] was first described in 1894 by Charles Immanuel Forsyth Major, based on a specimen found in the Ankafana Forest in the eastern districts of the former Betsileo province in central Madagascar.[4] Until the 1990s, there was some dispute over the taxonomic status of the species.[9] For much of the 20th century, the small-toothed sportive lemur was considered a subspecies of the weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus).[10] In his book The Primates of Madagascar from 1982, primatologist Ian Tattersall deviated from the traditional view by considering L. microdon a synonym of the weasel sportive lemur, while also recognizing only a single species of sportive lemur within the genus Lepilemur. Tattersall based his decision on what he considered to be a lack of detailed anatomical studies and field surveys, while also factoring in the difficulty in observing the animals in the wild, the presence of only subtle variations among museum specimens, and his own unwillingness to consider differences in karyotypes as grounds for defining distinct species.[11] However, primatologist Russell Mittermeier, et al. in Lemurs of Madagascar (1994),[12] taxonomist Colin Groves in Mammal Species of the World (2005),[8] and others favored recognizing the small-toothed sportive lemur as a species while also recognizing a total of seven sportive lemur species.[9] There have since been many species added to the Lepilemur genus, including 11 species described in 2006,[13] and the small-toothed sportive lemur remains a distinct species.[14]

Between 2006 and 2009, three studies were published to resolve the phylogenetic relationships between the sportive lemurs. Cytogenetic and molecular studies in 2006 and 2008 concluded that the small-toothed sportive lemur is most closely related to the Milne-Edwards' sportive lemur (L. edwardsi).[15][16] In 2009, a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and D-loop study examined every known species, including the species most recently described. The resulting data placed the sportive lemurs into four groups: Section A from northern and northwestern Madagascar, section B from northwestern Madagascar, section C from west central and southern Madagascar, and section D from eastern Madagascar. Only the small-toothed sportive lemur generated conflicting results when comparing the results between the mtDNA and D-loop data.[17] The mtDNA placed it in section B,[7] while the D-loop data placed it in section D.[18] These inconsistencies suggest the ancestral small-toothed sportive lemur population dispersed using river corridors instead of being separated from its nearest relatives by geographic barriers (allopatric speciation).[17]

Physical description

Compared to other sportive lemurs, the small-toothed sportive lemur is relatively large, weighing between 0.9 and 1.2 kg (2.0 and 2.6 lb) and measuring 55 to 64 cm (22 to 25 in) from head to tail. Its head-body length is 27 to 32 cm (11 to 13 in), and its tail measures between 25 and 29 cm (9.8 and 11.4 in).[19] The species is nearly identical in coloration to the weasel sportive lemur and can only be visually distinguished based on geographic location.[19] The small-toothed sportive lemur has a dark stripe in the center of its forehead that lights as it runs down the back. Its pelage (fur) is thick and reddish-brown, while its underside and neck are pale gray-brown, and sometimes have a yellowish or yellowish-gray hue. The shoulders and fore-limbs have a bright chestnut color. The color darkens to russet between the shoulders, down to the hind-limbs and tail. The tail is darkest at the tip.[19][4]

Like all sportive lemurs, they can easily be confused with woolly lemurs (genus Avahi), and sometimes with the much smaller dwarf lemurs (genus Cheirogaleus). Unlike the the woolly lemurs, sportive lemurs have prominent ears and lack the white patches usually found the the thighs of woolly lemurs. All sportive lemurs have long legs compared to their arms and trunk, the face is covered with short hairs,[20] and the cecum (beginning of the large intestine) is enlarged, presumably to handle its leaf-rich diet, which is more characteristic of larger primates.[21]

In contrast to other sportive lemurs—and as its name suggests—the small-toothed sportive lemur has significantly smaller molar teeth, and small premolars. Compared with the weasel sportive lemur, its bony palate is longer and it has a depression at the base of the nasal (nose) region.[4]

Habitat and distribution

The small-toothed sportive lemur is found in southeastern Madagascar, ranging from Ranomafana National Park southwest to Andringitra National Park.[19] The Namorona River acts as the northern border of its range, and the Manampatrana River may act as a southern border, where the species seems to be replaced by the James' sportive lemur (Lepilemur jamesorum).[1] Further studies are needed to clarify its range and relationship between other sportive lemurs in southeastern Madagascar. The species inhabits dense rainforest.[19]

Behavior and ecology

Like all sportive lemurs, the small-toothed sportive lemur is nocturnal, sleeping in tree cavities or hidden tangles of vines and leaves during the day. The species is considered solitary, and like other rainforest-dwelling sportive lemurs, they vocalize significantly less than sportive lemurs that live in drier forests. The species eats leaves, fruits, and flowers.[19]

Conservation

The small-toothed sportive lemur is listed under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits international commercial trade.[1][2] The IUCN originally listed the species as "Lower Risk", first in 1996 under the sub-classification "least concern", and then in 2000 under the sub-classification "near threatened". Prior to the taxonomic changes that resulted in many new species of sportive lemur, the small-toothed sportive lemur was considered to have a widespread distribution, but now has a how has a more restricted range.[1] During its 2008 assessment, its population size, geographic range, and other factors were unclear, resulting in the classification "Data Deficient."[1][22] Given the known threats the species faces, and as its distribution because better known, the IUCN states that the species may merit "Threatened" status in the future.[1]

Like many species of lemur, it is threatened with habitat loss from slash and burn agriculture and by increasing hunting pressure. It is hunted with spears and is also captured when trees with sleeping holes are cut down.[1] The small-toothed sportive lemur is known to occur in both Ranomafana National Park and Andringitra National Park, although it may also be found in Midongy du sud National Park. However, this national park is at the extreme southern end of its geographic range, and may actually represent a population of Fleurete's Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur fleuretae).[22]

No small-toothed sportive lemurs were maintained in captivity as of 2009.[22]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Template:IUCN
  2. ^ a b Harcourt 1990, p. 89.
  3. ^ a b Mittermeier et al. 2010, pp. 252–253.
  4. ^ a b c d Forbes 1894, p. 88.
  5. ^ Borror 1960, p. 59.
  6. ^ Borror 1960, p. 65.
  7. ^ a b Ramaromilanto et al. 2009, pp. 8–9.
  8. ^ a b Groves 2005, p. 118.
  9. ^ a b Nowak 1999, p. 82.
  10. ^ Rumpler & Albignac 1978, p. 191.
  11. ^ Tattersall 1982, pp. 73–75.
  12. ^ Mittermeier et al. 1994, p. 131.
  13. ^ Louis, Jr. et al. 2006, pp. 19–29.
  14. ^ Mittermeier et al. 2010, pp. 230–313.
  15. ^ Rumpler et al. 2008, p. 1151.
  16. ^ Andriaholinirina et al. 2006, p. 6.
  17. ^ a b Ramaromilanto et al. 2009, p. 11.
  18. ^ Ramaromilanto et al. 2009, p. 7.
  19. ^ a b c d e f Mittermeier et al. 2010, p. 252.
  20. ^ Mittermeier et al. 2010, p. 231.
  21. ^ Porter 1998, p. 172.
  22. ^ a b c Mittermeier et al. 2010, p. 253.

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