Species named after Python star

Scientists have named a new-found species of lemur after John Cleese.

The small woolly Avahi cleesei lives on leaves in a remote part of Madagascar.

The name is a tribute to the Monty Python star's conservation work for the animals. He has previously made a documentary about the plight of woolly lemurs for BBC One.

Urs Thalmann, of the University of Zurich, who discovered the species, told New Scientist magazine that the lemur's long legs were the only physical similarity to Cleese.

He joked: ‘Woolly lemurs can't really walk, but they do enjoy silly jumps.’

The new species has been classed as endangered, thanks to the loss of forest cover in Madagascar.

Cleese’s affection for the lemurs is demonstrated on his website, which prominently features am animated ring-tailed lemur.

‘I thought surely he must be a lemur fancier,’ Thalmann added.

Published: 11 Nov 2005