The early specimens of the potto Perodicticus potto (Statius Müller, 1776) in the National Museum of Natural History, Leiden, with the selection of a neotype

The potto was first recorded and figured by Willem Bosman in 1704. The name Lemur potto Statius Müller, 1776 is exclusively based upon Bosman’s account and figure, which are reproduced in full. The type locality is Elmina on the Gold Coast, the present Ghana. No type specimen was collected. The early pottos in the Leiden Museum are listed and their history is given, with special reference to the animals obtained by H.S. Pel. The publications on this material are reviewed. An adult female, RMNH 39375: mounted skin and skeleton acquired by Pel in 1849 at Dabocrom (Dabo Krom) near Sekondi, coastal Ghana, is designated the neotype of Lemur potto Statius Müller, 1776. The neotype is extensively described and figured. Taxonomic notes on the putative (sub)species of pottos are given, with a justification for establishing the neotype.