The weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus), also known as the greater sportive lemur, weasel lemur, or greater weasel lemur, is a species of lemur native to northeastern Madagascar. Its habitat includes rainforests and tropical rainforests. Its dorsal side is a reddish-brown colour, and greyish brown ventrally. Its colour darkens towards the tip of its tail. It has long, soft fur. It has an average body length of 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) and a tail length of 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
The weasel sportive lemur is predominantly a leaf-eater, although it supplements its diet with fruits and flowers. It is an arboreal species, and travels through the trees by leaping. As with other leaping primates, it has stereoscopic vision that enables it to determine distances precisely. Weasel Lemur groups consist solely of a mother and its offspring; the males are solitary, and are very territorial. Each weasel sportive lemur occupies a territory of 1/2 to 1¼ acres (1500 to 5000 m²). Like some other lemurs, they are nocturnal.
Famous quotes containing the words weasel and/or sportive:
“There was a weasel lived in the sun
With all his family,
Till a keeper shot him with his gun”
—Edward Thomas (1878–1917)
“To sunny waters some
By fatal instinct fly; where on the pool
They sportive wheel, or, sailing down the stream,
Are snatched immediate by the quick-eyed trout
Or darting salmon.”
—James Thomson (1700–1748)