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A cytogenetical study of 25 Lepilemur from the north of Madagascar has given evidence for six karyotypes (with four diploid numbers). Four of the karyotypes with these diploid numbers--2N = 38, 2N = 36, 2N = 34--we believe evolved from one another by centric fusion; and two karyotypes resulted from the hybridization of two of these (2N = 37 and 2N = 35). The different karyotypes distinguish themselves clearly from those of other species of Lepilemur. We have named a new species, Lepilemur septentrionalis (sp. nov.) with four subspecies: L. s. andrafiamenensis (2N = 38), L. s. ankaranensis (2N = 36), L. s. sahafarensis (2N = 36), and L. s. septentrionalis (2N = 34).

The epidemiological role played by lemurs in the circulation of arboviruses in Madagascar has been studied. From serological (HAI) tests, exposure of lemurs to alphaviruses and flaviviruses appears to vary considerably with location and species of lemur; positive tests varied from 0 to 32%. Finally, the data concerning the lemurophilic part of the mosquito fauna suggests that some lemur species and man are infected by the same arboviruses, especially West Nile virus. The susceptibility of these primates to yellow fever virus, which has not yet occurred in Madagascar is under study.

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