Fleurette's sportive lemur (Lepilemur fleuretae), or the Andohahela sportive lemur,[4] is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. Like all members of its genus, it is nocturnal, and largely folivorous. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.[1]
Fleurette's sportive lemur is predominantly gray on the back and brownish-gray on the belly. The upper parts of the limbs are grayish-brown and the fur on the sides of the belly is light brown. The fur covering the eyelids is noticeably lighter than the rest of the face. A diffuse stripe runs along the midline of the back, starting from the forehead and continuing approximately halfway down the back. The tail is reddish-gray closer to the body, transitioning to darker gray towards the tip.[4][5]
Fleurette's sportive lemur is medium-sized for its genus. The head-body length is 24–26 cm (9.4–10.2 in) and the tail length is 27–30 cm (11–12 in), adding up to a total length of 51–56 cm (20–22 in). It weighs 800–980 g (28–35 oz).[4][5]
Distribution and habitat
Fleurette's sportive lemur is found in extreme southeastern Madagascar, where it is known from Andohahela National Park, Tsitongambarika Protected Area, and some surrounding forest patches.[7] It is not present in nearby littoral forests or the Beampingaratsy Protected Area north of Andohahela National Park.[4] The exact limits of its range are yet to be determined.[5] The species' estimated extent of occurrence is 2,532 km2 (978 sq mi).[1]
Within its range, Fleurette's sportive lemur inhabits lowland rainforests.[4] 65% of the species' diet consists of leaves, and the remaining 35% consists of fruit and flowers. The most important plant species included in the diet are Albizia species, Neobrochoneura acuminata, Cynometra species, and Uapaca thouarsii.[8]
Fleurette's sportive lemur's home ranges are 2.59–5.28 ha (6.4–13.0 acres) for females and 7.85–7.89 ha (19.4–19.5 acres) for males.[4] The species is suspected to have a polygynous, dispersed social system.[7] Additionally, it is strictly nocturnal and solitary.[4]
Threats and conservation
As of 2020, Fleurette's sportive lemur has been listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. Its main threat is habitat loss,[4] although hunting may also be a threat due to its apparent lack of fear towards humans.[7] Illegal drug production, mostly marijuana, has been occurring in the species' range.[1] It was not being held in captivity as of 2022.[4]
