The extinct lemur was discovered in Madagascar

The third species of the Palaeopropithecus extinct group of lemurs has just been discovered by the Franco-Madagascan team in northwest Madagascar. With the name Palaeopropithecus kelyus, this specimen is smaller than two species and the known 'lemurs' group, and its diet contains more hard food. This finding reinforces the notion of richer biodiversity in prehistoric times (late Pleistocene and early Holocene).

Madagascar, where the natural environment has a high level of endemism, is one of the largest remaining biodiversity conservation areas in the world. The island is home to a special group of primates, lemurs. There are about 15 varieties and 71 species of this small mammal group in Madagascar.

Paleopropithecus is a group of fossil giant lemurs (2). So far, two species have been discovered: P. ingens (1898) and P. maximus (1903). Paleopropithecus has a very specific adaptability, especially movement. They move from one branch to another with 4 limbs, head downwards, like today's lazy South American species.

Recent findings of MAPPM (1) in some locations in northwest Madagascar have confirmed the existence of a third species of Palaeopropithecus, called P. kelyus. Scientists surmised the existence of this third species for more than 20 years. P. kelyus weighs about 35kg and is smaller than the two known Palaeopropithecus species, but still much larger than today's lemurs, the Indri , weighing only about 10kg.

Upper jaw fossil of P.kelyus (Photo: D. Gommery- MAPPM & CNRS)

Another difference of this newly discovered lemur is that its teeth are smaller. Dental characteristics can be described from upper fossil fossils, with sharper teeth. This morphology is similar to today's Propithecus. While other Palaopropitheus species feed on leaves and fruits, the difference in P. kelyus's teeth suggests that the animal can chew on much harder foods (eg seeds) than the other two species. P. kelyus is found in northwestern Madagascar (Boney region, Mahajanga county), located between large bays and rivers. This habitat site may have isolated P. keylys from the other two species of Palaeopropitheus, a living species falling south or central, and the other species living in northern Madagascar.

The discovery of this third Palaeopropithecus enriches our understanding of the fossilized fauna. In addition, such studies also include understanding the island community.

(1) 'Mission archéologique et paléontologique das de province de Mahajanga' project (MAPPM) a Franco-Madgascan cooperation between CNRS UPR 2147 (Dynamique de l'Evolution Humaine: Individus, Populations, Espèces) and UFR Mozea Akiba of Université de Mahajanga, sponsored by Sous-direction de l'archive et de la recherche en sciences.

(2) Asian fossils are extinct animals in prehistoric or prehistoric times and overlap with animals today. Unlike regular fossils, their bones are not fully mineralized.

References:
Dominique Gommery, Beby Ramanivosoa, Sabine Tombomiadana-Raveloson, Herv Randrianantenaina, Patrice Kerloc'h. Une nouvelle espèce de lémurien géant subfossile du Nord-Ouest de Madagascar (Palaeopropithecus kelyus, Primates). Comptes Rendus Palevol, 2009; DOI: 10.1016 / j.crpv.2009.02.001