About Lepilemur hubbardi Louis Jr., Engberg, Lei, Geng, Sommer, Randriamampionona, Randriamanana, Zaonarivelo et al., 2006
Nomenclature
Hubbard's sportive lemur, also called the Zombitse sportive lemur, is a species of sportive lemur that is endemic to Madagascar.
Body Measurements
Its total body length ranges from approximately 51 to 59 centimeters (20 to 23 inches), and its tail measures between 23 and 25 centimeters (9.1 to 9.8 inches).
Distribution
This lemur is found in dry transitional forests in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park in southwestern Madagascar, located north of the Onilahy River and south of the Mangoky River.
Conservation Status
It is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and faces threats from habitat loss and degradation, forest fires, and unsustainable hunting.
Taxonomic History
The species was first described as a new species in 2006, after mitochondrial DNA sequencing showed it was significantly distinct from the red-tailed sportive lemur.
Scientific Name Correction
It was originally named L. hubbardi, but this name was found to be incorrectly formed, and was corrected to L. hubbardorum in 2009.
Population Survey Results
An 18-night survey recorded 234 sightings of Hubbard's sportive lemur in Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park.
Population Estimate
Extrapolated data from this survey estimates that there are 16,500 to 18,000 individuals living within the park.
