lemuriform

Lemuriform, in primatology, refers to the clade Lemuriformes within the suborder Strepsirrhini. This group includes all living lemurs and their extinct relatives, representing the Madagascar-centered branch of strepsirrhine primates. Members of the lemuriform lineage share traits typical of strepsirrhines, such as a moist rhinarium and a specialized tooth arrangement known as a dental comb, and they display a wide range of sizes, behaviors, and diets.

Geographic distribution and diversity: All living lemuriforms are endemic to Madagascar and surrounding islands, reflecting a long isolation of the island from other landmasses. The clade encompasses a broad diversity of forms, from the smallest mouse lemurs to the larger indris and sifakas. The living families traditionally recognized within lemuriforms are Cheirogaleidae (dwarf and mouse lemurs), Lemuridae (true lemurs, including several genera such as Lemur and Varecia), Indriidae (indri, sifakas, and woolly lemurs of the genus Avahi), Daubentoniidae (the aye-aye, Daubentonia), and Lepilemuridae (the sportive lemurs, genus Lepilemur).

Evolution and biology: The lemuriform lineage began diverging from other primates early in primate evolution, with Madagascar's isolation driving rapid diversification. The fossil record shows a once richer diversity, including subfossil lemurs that survived until relatively recent times. Today, lemuriforms occupy a variety of habitats on Madagascar, from rainforests to dry deciduous forests, and exhibit a range of ecologies, including nocturnal and diurnal species, frugivory, folivory, nectar feeding, and insectivory.

Conservation: Many lemuriform species are threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, community involvement, and research to inform species management and taxonomy. As with other primates, continued study and habitat preservation are essential for their persistence.