[2] The discovery was made by researchers at the German Primate Center.

It was discovered in Madagascar among closely related species such as Madame Berthe's mouse lemur, already described in 2013.

[3] 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.

[4] The species is named after Professor Jörg Ganzhorn of Hamburg University, who had pioneered the research and conservation of lemurs in Madagascar.