Cheirogaleus crossleyi, A. Grandidier, 1870

Russell A. Mittermeier, Anthony B. Rylands & Don E. Wilson, 2013, Cheirogaleidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 3 Primates, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 28-65 : 62

26.

Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur

Cheirogaleus crossleyi

French: Chirogale de Crossley / German: Crossley-Fettschwanzmaki / Spanish: Lemur enano de Crossley

Other common names: Furry-eared Dwarf Lemur

Taxonomy. Chirogalus [sic] crossleyi A. Grandidier, 1870 ,

Madagascar, Antsianaka Forest.

This is one of several dwarf lemur species that reemerged from the former C. major as a result of the taxonomic revision by C. P. Groves in 2000. Despite its apparently wide distribution, there are thus far no indications of obvious geographic differ ences within this species. Nevertheless, in 2009, L.. Groeneveld and coworkers found five terminal clades within C. crossleyi . This species is currently considered monotypic, but some or all of these clades may turn out to be distinct species.

Distribution. N, E & SE Madagascar, inland from the range of the Greater Dwarf Lemur ( C. major ) in E Madagascar and extending further N, localities include Lac Alaotra, Andasibe (= Périnet), Imerina, Sambava, Manatenina, Vohémar , the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo Mts W of Tolagnaro (= Fort-Dauphin) and the mid- to low-elevational forests at Tsinjoarivo.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 22-26 cm,tail 21-27 cm; weight 370-458 g. Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur is similar to the Greater Dwarf Lemur , butit is slightly shorter and heavier and has a pointy nose. The skull is notably low and flat, and teeth are smaller. The coat is generally russet-colored above, with creamy-gray underparts and an orangeyyellow throat. There is no trace of a dorsal stripe. The mid-facial zoneis yellowish; this coloring extends above the eyes, which are surrounded by blackish rings, and onto sides of the nose. Ears are heavily pigmented and covered with black fur inside and out, which help, along with its reddish color and blacker, more pronounced eye-rings to distinguish it from the Greater Dwarf Lemur . Tail length of Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur is equal to the head-body length.

Habitat. Rainforest on plateau margins from sea level to 1800 m. Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur is said to be abundant in plantations and degraded forest. In Andasivodihazo, Tsinjoarivo, it uses a number of different sleeping sites during the hibernation period, most of which seem to be nest-like structures. Use of tree holes has been observed only once. All nests were located high up in trees. Although there are no studies of the behavior and ecology of Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur published under the name C. crossley:, studies conducted on what was formerly referred to as the Greater Dwarf Lemur in Andasibe (= Périnet) would in fact be this species.

Food and Feeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but undoubtedly fruits and flowers are eaten, as identified in the diets of other members of the genus.

Breeding. There is no information available for this species.

Activity patterns. Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur is nocturnal and arboreal. It hibernates from April to September.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.

Status and Conservation. CITES Appendix I. Classified as Data Deficient on The [UCN Red List. Crossley’s Dwarf Lemuris believed to be present in three national parks (Mantadia, Ranomafana and Zahamena), Zahamena Strict Nature Reserve, and Analamazaotra Special Reserve.

Bibliography. Blanco & Rahalinarivo (2010), Groeneveld, Blanco et al. (2010), Groeneveld, Weisrock et al. (2009), Groves (2000a, 2001), Hapke et al. (2005), Mittermeier et al. (2010), Petter et al. (1977), Petter-Rousseaux (1964), Pollock (1979b).

Figures

23. Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus medius), 24. Sibree’s Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus sibreei), 25. Greater Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus major), 26. Crossley’s Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus crossleyi), 27. Lesser Iron-gray Dwarf Lemur (Cheirogaleus minusculus)

Distribution. N, E & SE Madagascar, inland from the range of the Greater Dwarf Lemur ( C. major ) in E Madagascar and extending further N, localities include Lac Alaotra, Andasibe (= Périnet), Imerina, Sambava, Manatenina, Vohémar , the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo Mts W of Tolagnaro (= Fort-Dauphin) and the mid- to low-elevational forests at Tsinjoarivo.