Conservation Biogeography of the Dwarf Lemurs (Cheirogaleus) of Madagascar, Investigated via Ecological Niche Modelling

Abstract Ecological niches are the environmental conditions under which an organism can maintain viable populations. A detailed understanding of organisms’ ecological niche provide information on its taxonomy and biogeography, modelling allows researchers to investigate how closely-related species able coexist. models also enable conservationists determine species’ habitat requirements, map distributions, assess threats. We used this approach conservation biogeography dwarf lemurs (genus Cheirogaleus ), a group cryptic, nocturnal primates endemic Madagascar. Using climatic vegetation-related variables, we constructed for three overlap among taxa. maps availability forest habitat, assessed anthropogenic risk protection. Our background tests indicated that each analysed occupies distinct space. The area suitable (realized niche) varied interspecifically (28,889–41,934 km 2 ). This was mirrored by variation in percentage realized within protected areas (20,065–25,266 ) near features (5,744–16,999 results support 2020 recognised IUCN Red List provides their biogeography. Furthermore, our have highlighted some lemur species, such as C. crossleyi , more threatened than other medius major these require urgent attention.