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By The Associated Press
Scientists
working in Madagascar say they have discovered three previously
unknown species of mouse lemurs, the world's smallest primate.
Lemurs
are the most primitive primates and are among the world's
most endangered species. The newly discovered lemurs represent
a small but encouraging sign to conservationists.
Madagascar
is the world's only home to about 40 species of lemurs,
including two previously known species of mouse lemurs.
An international
team confirmed the new varieties by genetic tests as well
as by small differences in their skulls, teeth and other
physical characteristics.
"It's
incredibly rare to discover a new species of primate, let
alone three new species," said Steven Goodman of the
Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, who participated
in the study. Other participants were from Germany and Madagascar.
The
three newly discovered species inhabit only the dry, dense
forests along the island's west coast. They are about the
size of a chipmunk and weigh a few ounces. They eat beetles,
fruit and plants. They are active only at night.
The
scientists said they also found what they believe are two
more previously unknown species of mouse lemur, but the
determination must be approved by an international panel
of primate experts.
Madagascar
is a large island off Africa's east coast. Scientists believe
it split off the continent about 165 million years ago and
many of its plant and animal species are unique to the island.
The oldest lemur fossils are about 58 million years old,
making them important links in studies of the evolution
of humans and other primates.
Madagascar
has been stripped of 90 percent of its original forests,
threatening the survival of many species.
Conservationists
fear that 10 percent of the world's primate species, which
also include humans, apes and monkeys, will go extinct in
the next 10 or 20 years.
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