COQUEREL'S MOUSE LEMUR Mirza coquereli Mammal Order Primate Description Head and body length is about 7-10 in., tail is 10-11 in., and weight is 12 ounces. The upper parts are dark gray washed with rufous (reddish brown), being darkest along the midline: many of the hairs have golden tips, thereby producing an olive-brown effect. The underparts are yellowish gray. Facial markings are indistinct or absent. The ears are long and hairless. Soft fur, short snout, rounded skull, prominent eyes and ears, and long hind limbs and tail. Range northwest and west-central coasts of Madagascar. Status Designated as rare by the IUCN and endangered by the USDI and is on appendix one of C.I.T.E.S. It is threatened by a long term drying trend in the climate and by human destruction of forest. Photo by Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Nocturnal and arboreal. Generally lives near rivers or ponds in thick forest, usually 3-18 ft. above ground.   Niche Omnivorous: During the wet season it has a varied diet consisting of fruits, gums, flowers, and insects. In the dry season it feeds to a large extent on a sweet liquid secreted onto branches by insect larvae. Life History Solitary; on a home range with up to 12 nests in the central portion. Greet each other with a vocalized hum. Gestation lasts about 89 days, litter size is 2 young, and birth weight is 0.4 ounces. Average life span of 10 yrs. Special Adaptations Large ears to listen for small prey rustling around in the trees and bush at night. Long hind limbs for climbing and jumping throughout the under brush.