Nocturnal lemur diversity at Masoala National Park

Abstract

Approximately 3,000 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA sequence data were utilized as part of a phylogenetic analysis to investigate the taxonomic relationships of the nocturnal lemurs (genera Avahi and Lepilemur) of Masoala National Park. The molecular data distinguished all currently described Avahi and Lepilemur species, but it also revealed previously unrecognized biodiversity within these genera at Masoala National Park. Diagnoses of a new species of woolly lemur and a new species of sportive lemur from Masoala National Park are presented. These results demonstrate that cryptic species can be revealed through molecular data and the importance of initiating further detailed studies in previously unstudied sites to confirm the distributions of all species, particularly nocturnal lemur species.