List of lemur species


s are strepsirrhine primates, all species of which are endemic to Madagascar. They include the smallest primate in the world, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, which weighs, and range up to the size of the indri, which can weigh as much as. However, recently extinct species grew much larger. As of 2010, five families, 15 genera, and 101 species and subspecies of lemur were formally recognized. From 2000 through 2008, 39 new species were described and nine other taxa resurrected. By 2014, the number of species plus subspecies recognized had increased to 113; of the 105 species then known, the IUCN classified 24 as critically endangered, 49 as endangered, 20 as vulnerable, three as near threatened, three as least concern and four as data deficient; two were yet to be evaluated.
The number of lemur species is likely to continue growing in the coming years, as field studies, cytogenetic and molecular genetic research continues. There is not complete agreement over the latest revisions to lemur taxonomy, with some experts preferring an estimated 50 lemur species. The debates are likely to continue, as some scholars label the explosive growth of species numbers as taxonomic inflation. In many cases, classifications will ultimately depend upon which species concept is used. In the case of the lemurs of Madagascar, which have suffered extensively from deforestation and habitat fragmentation, nearly 70% of all species were either endangered or critically endangered as of 2014, most have yet to be extensively studied, and nearly all populations are in decline. For these reasons, taxonomists and conservationists favor splitting them into separate species to develop an effective strategy for the conservation of the full range of lemur diversity. Implicitly, this means that full species status will help grant genetically distinct populations added environmental protection.
At least 17 species and eight genera are believed to have become extinct in the 2,000 years since humans first arrived in Madagascar. All known extinct species were large, ranging in weight from. The largest known subfossil lemur was Archaeoindris fontoynonti, a giant sloth lemur, which weighed more than a modern female gorilla. The extinction of the largest lemurs is often attributed to predation by humans and possibly habitat destruction. Since all extinct lemurs were not only large, but also slow-moving, their presumably slow-reproducing and low-density populations were least likely to survive the introduction of humans. Gradual changes in climate have also been blamed, and may have played a minor role; however since the largest lemurs also survived the climatic changes from previous ice ages and only disappeared following the arrival of humans, it is unlikely that climatic change was largely responsible.
There is strong evidence of extensive declines in extant populations since the introductions of humans, particularly among the larger and more specialized lemurs. As long as habitats continue to shrink, degrade and fragment, extinctions are likely to continue.

Taxonomic classification

Lemurs are classified under eight families, three of which are extinct:
, one of the most endangered primates in the world.
s are the smallest primates in the world.
s recognized.
The placement of lemurs within the order Strepsirrhini is currently under debate, although both sides agree upon the same phylogenetic tree.

Extant species

All lemurs belong to the suborder Strepsirrhini within the order Primates. The 101 extant species and subspecies are divided among 5 families and 15 genera. They range in weight from to as much as . Most are highly arboreal and activity patterns range widely from nocturnal to diurnal to cathemeral. Having diversified over millions of years to fill every ecological niche, diets also vary widely, though fruit, leaves, and insects make up the majority of the diet for most species.

Family: Cheirogaleidae

Family Cheirogaleidae consists of the mouse lemurs, the dwarf lemurs, and the fork-marked lemurs and their allies. There are 37 extant species.
is one of as many as 21 tiny, nocturnal mouse lemur species.
s are the among the largest of the cheirogaleids.
Scientific nameCommon nameClassifiedAverage sizeConservation statusReferences-
Allocebus trichotisHairy-eared dwarf lemur1875, Günther-
Cheirogaleus andysabiniMontagne d'Ambre dwarf lemur2015, Lei et al.-
Cheirogaleus crossleyiFurry-eared dwarf lemur1870, A. Grandidier-
Cheirogaleus grovesiGroves' dwarf lemur2017, McLain et al.-
Cheirogaleus lavasoensisLavasoa dwarf lemur2013, Thiele et al.-
Cheirogaleus majorGreater dwarf lemur1812, É. Geoffroy-
Cheirogaleus mediusFat-tailed dwarf lemur1812, É. Geoffroy-
Cheirogaleus minusculusLesser iron-gray dwarf lemur2000, Grovesunknown-
Cheirogaleus shethiAnkarana dwarf lemur2016, Frasier et al.-
Cheirogaleus sibreeiSibree's dwarf lemur1896, Forsyth Majorunknown-
Microcebus arnholdiArnhold's mouse lemur2008, E. Lewis, Jr. et al.-
Microcebus berthaeMadame Berthe's mouse lemur2000, Rasoloarison et al.-
Microcebus bongolavensisBongolava mouse lemur2007, Olivieri et al.-
Microcebus borahaBoraha mouse lemur2016, Hotaling et al.-
Microcebus danfossiDanfoss' mouse lemur2007, Olivieri et al.status2 = CITES_A1
Microcebus ganzhorniGanzhorn's mouse lemur2016, Hotaling et al.-
Microcebus gerpiGerp's mouse lemur2012, Radespiel et al.-
Microcebus griseorufusReddish-gray mouse lemur1910, Kollman-
Microcebus jollyaeJolly's mouse lemur2006, Louis et al.-
Microcebus lehilahytsaraGoodman's mouse lemur2005, Roos and Kappeler-
Microcebus macarthuriiMacArthur's mouse lemur2008, Radespiel et al.unknown-
Microcebus mamiratraClaire's mouse lemur2006, Andriantompohavana et al.-
Microcebus manitatraManitatra mouse lemur2016, Hotaling et al.-
Microcebus margotmarshaeMargot Marsh's mouse lemur2006, Andriantompohavana et al.-
Microcebus marohitaMarohita mouse lemur2013, Rasoloarison et al.-
Microcebus mittermeieriMittermeier's mouse lemur2006, Louis et al.-
Microcebus murinusGray mouse lemur1777, Miller-
Microcebus myoxinusPygmy mouse lemur1852, Peters-
Microcebus ravelobensisGolden-brown mouse lemur1998, Zimmerman et al.-
Microcebus rufusBrown mouse lemur1834, É. Geoffroy-
Microcebus sambiranensisSambirano mouse lemur2000, Rasoloarison et al.-
Microcebus simmonsiSimmons' mouse lemur2006, Louis et al.-
Microcebus tanosiAnosy mouse lemur2013, Rasoloarison et al.unknown-
Microcebus tavaratraNorthern rufous mouse lemur2000, Rasoloarison et al.-
Mirza coquereliCoquerel's giant mouse lemur1867, A. Grandidier-
Mirza zazaNorthern giant mouse lemur2005, Kappeler & Roos-
Phaner electromontisAmber Mountain fork-marked lemur1991, Groves and Tattersall-
Phaner furciferMasoala fork-marked lemur1839, Blainville-
Phaner pallescensPale fork-marked lemur1991, Groves and Tattersall-
Phaner parientiPariente's fork-marked lemur1991, Groves and Tattersall-

Family: Lemuridae

Family Lemuridae consists of the ring-tailed lemur, the brown lemurs, the bamboo lemurs and the ruffed lemurs. There are 21 extant species and six subspecies.
, like other brown lemurs, is sexually dichromatic.
is highly social and is the most popularly known lemur species.
s are the largest of the extant lemurids.
Scientific nameCommon nameClassifiedAverage sizeConservation statusReferences
Eulemur albifronsWhite-fronted brown lemur1796, É. Geoffroy
Eulemur cinereicepsGray-headed lemur1890, Grandidier and Milne-Edwards
Eulemur collarisCollared brown lemur1812, É. Geoffroy
Eulemur coronatusCrowned lemur1842, Gray
Eulemur flavifronsBlue-eyed black lemur1867, Gray
Eulemur fulvusCommon brown lemur1812, É. Geoffroy
Eulemur macacoBlack lemur1766, Linnaeus
Eulemur mongozMongoose lemur1766, Linnaeus
Eulemur rubriventerRed-bellied lemur1850, I. Geoffroy
Eulemur rufifronsRed-fronted lemur1833, Bennett
Eulemur rufusRed lemur1799, Audebert
Eulemur sanfordiSanford's brown lemur1932, Archbold
Hapalemur alaotrensisLac Alaotra bamboo lemur1975, Rumpler
Hapalemur aureusGolden bamboo lemur1987, Meier et al.
Hapalemur griseus gilbertiBeanamalao bamboo lemur2007, Rabarivola et al.
Hapalemur griseus griseusEastern lesser bamboo lemur1795, Link
Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensisRanomafana bamboo lemur2007, Rabarivola et al.
Hapalemur meridionalisSouthern lesser bamboo lemur1987, Warter, et al.
Hapalemur occidentalisWestern lesser bamboo lemur1975, Rumpler
Lemur cattaRing-tailed lemur1756, Linnaeus
Prolemur simusGreater bamboo lemur1871, Gray
Varecia rubraRed ruffed lemur1812, É. Geoffroy
Varecia variegata editorumSouthern black-and-white ruffed lemur1953, Osman Hill
Varecia variegata subcinctaWhite-belted black-and-white ruffed lemur1833, A. Smith
Varecia variegata variegataBlack-and-white ruffed lemur1792, Kerr

Family: Lepilemuridae

Family Lepilemuridae consists solely of the sportive lemurs. As of 2014, there are 26 extant species.
is one of 26 species of sportive lemur.
Scientific nameCommon nameClassifiedAverage sizeConservation statusReferences
Lepilemur aeeclisAntafia sportive lemur2006, Andriaholinirina et al.
Lepilemur ahmansonorumAhmanson's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur ankaranensisAnkarana sportive lemur1975, Rumpler & Albignac
Lepilemur betsileoBetsileo sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur dorsalisGray-backed sportive lemur1870, Gray
Lepilemur edwardsiMilne-Edwards' sportive lemur1894, Forsyth Major
Lepilemur fleuretaeFleurete's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur grewcockorumGrewcock's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur hollandorumHolland's sportive lemur2009, Ramaromilanto et al.
Lepilemur hubbardorumHubbard's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur jamesorumJames' sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur leucopusWhite-footed sportive lemur1894, Forsyth Major
Lepilemur microdonSmall-toothed sportive lemur1894, Forsyth Major
Lepilemur milanoiiDaraina sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur mittermeieriMittermeier's sportive lemur2006, Rabarivola et al.unknown
Lepilemur mustelinusWeasel sportive lemur1851, I. Geoffroy
Lepilemur ottoOtto's sportive lemur2007, Craul et al.unknown
Lepilemur petteriPetter's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur randrianasoloiRandrianasolo's sportive lemur2006, Andriaholinirina et al.
Lepilemur ruficaudatusRed-tailed sportive lemur1867, A. Grandidier
Lepilemur sahamalazensisSahamalaza sportive lemur2006, Andriaholinirina et al.
Lepilemur scottorumScott's sportive lemur2008, Lei et al.unknown
Lepilemur sealiSeal's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur septentrionalisNorthern sportive lemur1975, Rumpler & Albignac
Lepilemur tymerlachsoniHawks' sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.
Lepilemur wrightaeWright's sportive lemur2006, Louis, Jr. et al.

Family: Indriidae

Family Indriidae consists of the indri, the woolly lemurs and the sifakas. There are 19 extant species.
is one of the two largest extant lemurs.
s are vertical clingers and jumpers and are represented by 9 species, 8 of which are considered critically endangered as of 2020.
Scientific nameCommon nameClassifiedAverage sizeConservation statusReferences
Avahi betsileoBetsileo woolly lemur2007, Andriantompohavana et al.unknown
Avahi cleeseiCleese's woolly lemur2005, Thalmann and Geissmann
Avahi lanigerEastern woolly lemur1788, Gmelin
Avahi meridionalisSouthern woolly lemur2006, Zaramody et al.unknown
Avahi mooreorumMoore's woolly lemur2008, Lei et al.unknown
Avahi occidentalisWestern woolly lemur1898, von Lorenz-Liburnau
Avahi peyrierasiPeyrieras's woolly lemur2006, Zaramody et al.unknown
Avahi ramanantsoavanaiRamanantsoavana's woolly lemur2006, Zaramody et al.unknown
Avahi unicolorSambirano woolly lemur2000, Thalmann and Geissmann
Indri indriIndri1788, Gmelin
Propithecus candidusSilky sifaka1871, A. Grandidier
Propithecus coquereliCoquerel's sifaka1867, A. Grandidier
Propithecus coronatusCrowned sifaka1871, Milne-Edwards
Propithecus deckeniiVon der Decken's sifaka1870, A. Grandidier
Propithecus diademaDiademed sifaka1832, Bennett
Propithecus edwardsiMilne-Edwards's sifaka1871, A. Grandidier
Propithecus perrieriPerrier's sifaka1931, Lavauden
Propithecus tattersalliGolden-crowned sifaka1988, Simons
Propithecus verreauxiVerreaux's sifaka1867, A. Grandidier

Family: Daubentoniidae

Family Daubentoniidae contains only one surviving species, of the aye-aye. Wide-ranging genetic studies have shown that it separated from the ancestral lemurs long before any other branch of the modern Lemuriformes.
Scientific nameCommon nameClassifiedAverage sizeConservation statusReferences
Daubentonia madagascariensisAye-aye1788, Gmelin

Unconfirmed species

Reports of new species continue to trickle in from the field. However, these reports require further scientific evaluation before their claims can be verified.

Extinct species

All known extinct lemurs from Madagascar are known from recent, subfossil remains. Conditions for fossilization were not ideal on the island, so little is known about ancestral lemur populations. All known extinct lemurs are thought to have died out after the arrival of humans.
Scientific nameCommon nameFamilyEstimated sizeExtinction dateReferences
Archaeoindris fontoynontiSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae350 BCE
Archaeolemur edwardsiMonkey lemurs Archaeolemuridae1047–1280 CE
Archaeolemur majoriMonkey lemurs Archaeolemuridae1047–1280 CE
Babakotia radofilaiSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae3050 BCE
Daubentonia robustaGiant aye-ayeDaubentoniidae891–1027 CE
Hadropithecus stenognathusMonkey lemurs Archaeolemuridae444–772 CE
Megaladapis edwardsiKoala lemursMegaladapidae1280–1420 CE
Megaladapis grandidieriKoala lemursMegaladapidae1280–1420 CE
Megaladapis madagascariensisKoala lemursMegaladapidae1280–1420 CE
Mesopropithecus dolichobrachionSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae245–429 CE
Mesopropithecus globicepsSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae245–429 CE
Mesopropithecus pithecoidesSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae245–429 CE
Pachylemur insignisPachylemurLemuridae680–960 BCE
Pachylemur jullyiPachylemurLemuridaeHolocene
Palaeopropithecus ingensSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae1300–1620 CE
Palaeopropithecus kelyusSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidaeLate Quaternary
Palaeopropithecus maximusSloth lemursPalaeopropithecidae1300–1620 CE

Footnotes