Madagascar
is the home to many amazing species of animals and plants, so much so that
around 75% (1) of species are unique to Madagascar. Many of these species
inhabit the remote rainforests, mostly on the east coast. Due to the
difficultly in locating, accessing and studying the ecosystems of Madagascar,
one thing is certain - there is always something new to learn!
Now, if there is one inhabitant of Madagascar which
has captivated many - yes, it is the lemur! There are currently around 60
‘known’ species of Lemur (not to mention sub-species), and the latest news is
that scientists discover yet another species of one of Madagascar’s favourite
inhabitants.
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/02/new-species-of-dwarf-lemur-discovered-in-madagascar/ Mongaby.com
07 Feb. 2017
In the North, a new species has been found and named
the ‘Sheth’s Dwarf Lemur’- after Brian Sheth, a prominent conservationist. This
has been a surprising discovery as most Dwarf Lemur species have been found
predominantly in the eastern rainforests.
Some interesting facts about this lemur? It is
predominantly nocturnal and certainly small – around 16 - 17 cm long with a 16
cm long tail. It weighs only around 100 grams (2). This is also the ninth known
species of Dwarf Lemur (3).
There are many details about this genus to clarify,
and much work still to do. The Sheth’s Dwarf Lemur is fortunate – inhabiting
protected areas bordering two national parks. The scientists who made this
discovery though, were quick to mention that it is crucial that these areas are
supported and remain ‘reserved’.
Money For Madagascar is acutely aware that to help the
environment of this unique country, the people must be considered too. When the
hungry or poor can find no other way to survive, then the forests and
wildlife become their main resource. So, Money For Madagascar works to ensure
that people can survive without needing to exploit the land. Alongside this,
MFM also plays an influential role in conservation itself – replanting forest
corridors which the lemurs inhabit, and supporting communities that live around
the forests, ensuring they get what they need without turning to the
environment to survive.
If you would like to know more about MFM’s work, both
to help the Malagasy people and to preserve this unique land, please see our
website - https://www.moneyformadagascar.org,
our blog - http://moneyformadagascar.blogspot.co.uk/ ,
or consider making a donation – any money you give
will go straight to those who need it, ensuring Malagasy people have less need
to exploit the rainforest to get their daily needs.
(1) WWF
(2) Facts from https://news.mongabay.com/2017/02/new-species-of-dwarf-lemur-discovered-in-madagascar/
(3) Wikipedia
Contributed by Matthew Ward
