Species profile
About this species
Goodman's mouse lemur is a small nocturnal primate endemic to eastern Madagascar, first described as a distinct species in 2006. It is one of the smallest primates in the world, with a body length of around 9 centimetres & a weight of approximately 40-70 grams. The species is named in honour of naturalist Steven Goodman & is distinguished from related mouse lemurs by its reddish-brown colouring & relatively large eyes.
Montane rainforest & humid eastern rainforests of Madagascar, particularly in the Andasibe-Mantadia region, where it occupies forest edges, secondary growth & dense understorey vegetation.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Goodman's mouse lemur with us in Madagascar.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The dry season between May & October is generally the most productive period for spotting active individuals, as they emerge more reliably at night. Night-time hours after dusk are essential as this is a strictly nocturnal species.
Use a red-filtered torch or dim red light to locate & observe the animal without disturbing its natural behaviour, as white light causes stress & flight responses. A fast lens with a wide aperture such as f/1.8 or f/2.8 paired with a high ISO setting will help capture sharp images in low-light nocturnal conditions. Work with a knowledgeable local guide to locate active individuals in the forest understorey, allowing you to minimise disturbance & position yourself for clean background shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Goodman's mouse lemur
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.