Margot Marsh's mouse lemur
Introduction '''Margot Marsh's mouse lemur''' or the '''Antafondro mouse lemur''' ('''''Microcebus margotmarshae''''') is a species of mouse lemur endemic to Madagascar. Its holotype was first collected on 21 May 2006, proposed in 2006 by Andriantompohavana ''et al. '', and was formally described in 2008 by E. Lewis, Jr., ''et al.'' According to genetic tests, it is genetically distinct from its closest sister taxon, Claire's mouse lemur (''M. mamiratra'').It is a small mouse lemur, weighing approximately , with a body length of  and a tail length of . It is found in Antafondro Classified Forest Special Reserve in northern Madagascar.
Etymology The name ''margotmarshae'' was chosen in honor of Margot Marsh, who made generous lifetime contributions to primate conservation initiatives in many different countries. Upon her death in 1995, the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation was founded to continue supporting her efforts to help safeguard the future of threatened primates.
Anatomy and physiology Margot Marsh's mouse lemur weighs approximately , although like other mouse lemurs, its weight will fluctuate depending upon the season. The holotype for the species, collected on 21 May 2006, weighed , had a body length of  and a tail length of . Other measurements for the individual include head crown of , muzzle length of , ear length of , and ear width of .The dorsal and tail pelage is mostly reddish-orange with gray undertones. The ventral pelage is white to cream. The head is mostly bright reddish-orange, and its ears are small. The muzzle and the fur around the eyes are light brown, and there is a small, bright white spot on the nose ridge between the eyes.
Distribution Margot Marsh's mouse lemur is found in the Antafondro Classified Forest Special Reserve, south of the Andranomalaza River and north of the Maevarano River in the Antsiranana Province of Madagascar.The northern end of Margot Marsh's mouse lemur's range is bordered by the range of the Sambirano mouse lemur (''M. sambiranensis''), forming a significant species barrier between it and its genetically closest sister taxon, Claire's mouse lemur (''M. mamiratra''), farther to the north.
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