A tiny primate with a big presence in Madagascar’s forests. Endemic to the northwest of the island, particularly around the Ankarafantsika National Park, it is one of the many mouse lemurs that make Madagascar such a hotspot for unique biodiversity. What sets this species apart is not only its warm golden-brown coat, which gives it its name, but also its unusually social lifestyle compared to its more solitary relatives.

In appearance, the golden-brown mouse lemur is a pocket-sized primate—small enough to fit in a person’s hand. Its fur is a rich mix of reddish-brown on the back and golden tones on the flanks, with a creamy underside. Like other mouse lemurs, it has large, round eyes adapted for night vision, giving it an alert, endearing look, and a long tail used both for balance in the treetops and for fat storage during lean times.

This species is nocturnal, foraging at night for fruits, flowers, nectar, insects, and small vertebrates. With such a varied diet, it acts as both a pollinator and a seed disperser, making it ecologically important despite its tiny size. During the day, however, golden-brown mouse lemurs retreat to tree holes or leafy nests, often in the company of others. Unlike many mouse lemurs that rest alone, this species forms communal sleeping groups, sometimes with up to 15 individuals. These groups are usually made up of females and their offspring, with males occasionally joining. Scientists believe this behavior helps with thermoregulation, protection, and strengthening social bonds.

Their social nature doesn’t end at sleeping arrangements. Golden-brown mouse lemurs are also quite vocal, communicating with a range of squeaks, chirps, and clicks to maintain contact in the dark forest. They are known to groom one another frequently, a behavior that reinforces group cohesion.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

VU

2018