Ganzhorn’s mouse lemur is a species of lemur first described and listed in 2016.  It was discovered in Madagascar among closely related species such as Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur, already described in 2013 Due to their close resemblance, it was initially impossible to identify them as distinct species. It was only after genetic analyses (mtDNA sequencing) that the species was established. The genetic study was done in collaboration with scientists at the University of Kentucky, the Duke Lemur Center and the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar. The species is named after Professor Jörg Ganzhorn of Hamburg University, who had pioneered the research and conservation of lemurs in Madagascar.