The fat-tailed dwarf lemur, also known as the lesser dwarf lemur or the spiny forest dwarf lemur, is a small lemur of Madagascar, about 20 to 23 centimetres long from head to the end of its torso with a tail of similar length. It weighs roughly 110 to 280 grams. It is nocturnal and feeds on insects, other small animals, fruit and flowers. It is best known for hibernation: it is described as the only primate known to hibernate for extended periods, up to seven months, living on fat stored in its tail, which can make up as much as 40 percent of its body weight. Captive animals have lived nearly 30 years.
Facts
Conservation Status Body Size Band Activity Pattern Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleNo Significant Interaction with Humans 1 Living or Extinct Comparison
CITES Appendix Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source Wikipedia: Cheirogaleidae
In Biome
Source Fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Wikipedia)
In Ecosystem
Source Animal Diversity Web: Cheirogaleus medius (Animal Diversity Web account)
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Wikipedia: CheirogaleidaeLead, rangetier 2Quote, Lead, range
Like all other lemurs, cheirogaleids live exclusively on the island of Madagascar.
Sources
1. Animal Diversity Web: Cheirogaleus medius (Animal Diversity Web account)
Animal Diversity WebBehavior
Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs are nocturnal primates.
Food Habits
Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs are predominantly frugivores
Conservation Status
on Appendix I of CITES
Habitat, Habitat Regions
terrestrial
Physical description, range mass
Range mass 120 to 270 g
Lifespan/Longevity
Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs are reported to have lived up to 20 years in captivity.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Since these animals are confined to only the island of Madagascar their economic importance
In Ecosystem: Madagascar Dry Deciduous Forests, Habitat
Fat-tailed dwarf lemurs inhabit dry deciduous forests and thorn scrub forests in western
View the Source 2. Mammal Diversity Database: Cheirogaleus medius (Mammal Diversity Database taxon page)
Mammal Diversity DatabaseIUCN Red List status
Vulnerable
Species status
Living
View the Source 3. Fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Wikipedia)
Lead, lifespan
It has a lifespan of 4-11 years in the wild and 29 years in captivity.
In Biome: Tropical Rainforest, Reproduction
there are those who live in tropical rain forest
View the SourceWikipedia: Cheirogaleidae
WikipediaLead, range
Like all other lemurs, cheirogaleids live exclusively on the island of Madagascar.
In Group: Primate Species, Lead
The Cheirogaleidae are the family of strepsirrhine primates containing the various dwarf and mouse lemurs.
Child Taxon Of: Cheirogaleidae, Classification
Fat-tailed dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus medius
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