Ankarana Sportive Lemur

Fascinating facts about the Ankarana Sportive Lemur

• At just 53 cm long, including a 25 cm tail, this tiny primate weighs only about 750 g.
• This lemur lives only in the northern tip of Madagascar, occupying dry lowland forests of Ankarana, Andrafiamena and Analamerana, plus the moist montane forest of Montagne d'Ambre.
• Even when fragmented to the degree seen in fossils 1 to 2 million years old, most family-level relationships remain accurate.
• Comparative chromosome studies show that human chromosome 13 has remained a single syntenic block since the ancestral primate karyotype.

At a glance

About the Ankarana Sportive Lemur

In the moonlit forests of Ankarana, a diminutive, large-eyed lemur stirs, its gentle movements a testament to the quiet, unassuming nature of the Ankarana Sportive Lemur. As it navigates the labyrinthine network of limestone karst and deciduous trees, its long, powerful hind legs propel it with effortless ease, a blur of grey and white fur weaving through the shadows. With its endearing, teddy bear-like appearance and nocturnal habits, this elusive creature has captivated the hearts of all who have been fortunate enough to encounter it, a true marvel of Madagascar's unique and fragile biodiversity.

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