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Radespiel U, Scheumann M. Introduction to the Special Issue Celebrating the Life and Work of Elke Zimmermann. INT J PRIMATOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-022-00307-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Radespiel U, Rakotondravony R, Rasoloharijaona S, Randrianambinina B. A 24-Year Record of Female Reproductive Dynamics in Two Sympatric Mouse Lemur Species in Northwestern Madagascar. INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-021-00261-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSeasonal reproduction is widespread among primates but the degree of reproductive synchrony and plasticity can vary, even between closely related species. This study compares the dynamics of female reproductive seasonality in two mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis, in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar, across 24 years. We collected 4321 records of female reproductive state from 1033 individual females (319 M. murinus, 714 M. ravelobensis). The analyses revealed disparate reproductive schedules: While female M. murinus showed high degrees of reproductive synchrony throughout all years, leading to the production of two successive litters, the seasonal onset of estrus (= reproductive activation) in female M. ravelobensis was more flexible than in M. murinus, starting 2-4 weeks earlier, varying by up to 4 weeks between years, and being less synchronized. M. ravelobensis females became reproductively active later in years with more rainfall, in particular rain in February, but the timing of reproductive activation was not related to differences in temperatures. The likelihood of early conception was significantly lower in M. ravelobensis than in M. murinus. This was partly due to delayed reproductive activation in young animals, and a lower likelihood of early conception for females with low body mass in M. ravelobensis. Our results suggest high, adaptive reproductive plasticity in M. ravelobensis that may enable individuals to respond flexibly to yearly environmental changes and expand the reproductive period under favorable conditions. These species differences in reproductive schedules may be the result of the divergent evolutionary histories of the two mouse lemur species in different parts of Madagascar.
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Kiene F, Andriatsitohaina B, Ramsay MS, Rakotondravony R, Strube C, Radespiel U. Habitat fragmentation and vegetation structure impact gastrointestinal parasites of small mammalian hosts in Madagascar. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6766-6788. [PMID: 34141255 PMCID: PMC8207415 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Deleterious effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity have been demonstrated in numerous taxa. Although parasites represent a large part of worldwide biodiversity, they are mostly neglected in this context. We investigated the effects of various anthropogenic environmental changes on gastrointestinal parasite infections in four small mammal hosts inhabiting two landscapes of fragmented dry forest in northwestern Madagascar. Coproscopical examinations were performed on 1,418 fecal samples from 903 individuals of two mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus (n = 199) and M. ravelobensis (n = 421), and two rodent species, the native Eliurus myoxinus (n = 102) and the invasive Rattus rattus (n = 181). Overall, sixteen parasite morphotypes were detected and significant prevalence differences between host species regarding the most common five parasites may be explained by parasite-host specificity or host behavior, diet, and socioecology. Ten host- and habitat-related ecological variables were evaluated by generalized linear mixed modeling for significant impacts on the prevalence of the most abundant gastrointestinal parasites and on gastrointestinal parasite species richness (GPSR). Forest maturation affected homoxenous parasites (direct life cycle) by increasing Lemuricola, but decreasing Enterobiinae gen. sp. prevalence, while habitat fragmentation and vegetation clearance negatively affected the prevalence of parasites with heterogenic environment (i.e., Strongyloides spp.) or heteroxenous (indirect cycle with intermediate host) cycles, and consequently reduced GPSR. Forest edges and forest degradation likely change abiotic conditions which may reduce habitat suitability for soil-transmitted helminths or required intermediate hosts. The fragility of complex parasite life cycles suggests understudied and potentially severe effects of decreasing habitat quality by fragmentation and degradation on hidden ecological networks that involve parasites. Since parasites can provide indispensable ecological services and ensure stability of ecosystems by modulating animal population dynamics and nutrient pathways, our study underlines the importance of habitat quality and integrity as key aspects of conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Kiene
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
- Centre for Infection MedicineInstitute for ParasitologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
| | - Bertrand Andriatsitohaina
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN)University of MahajangaMahajangaMadagascar
| | - Malcolm S. Ramsay
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Romule Rakotondravony
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN)University of MahajangaMahajangaMadagascar
- Faculté des Sciences, de Technologies et de l’EnvironnementUniversity of MahajangaMahajangaMadagascar
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection MedicineInstitute for ParasitologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
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Zablocki-Thomas PB, Boulinguez-Ambroise G, Pacou C, Mézier J, Herrel A, Aujard F, Pouydebat E. Exploring the behavioral reactions to a mirror in the nocturnal grey mouse lemur: sex differences in avoidance. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11393. [PMID: 34035991 PMCID: PMC8126259 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most mirror-image stimulation studies (MIS) have been conducted on social and diurnal animals in order to explore self-recognition, social responses, and personality traits. Small, nocturnal mammals are difficult to study in the wild and are under-represented in experimental behavioral studies. In this pilot study, we explored the behavioral reaction of a small nocturnal solitary forager-the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus)-an emergent animal model in captivity. We assessed whether MIS can be used to detect a repeatable behavioral reaction, whether individuals will present a similar reaction toward a conspecific and the mirror, and whether males and females respond similarly. We tested 12 individuals (six males and six females) twice in three different contexts: with a mirror, with a live conspecific, and with a white board as a neutral control. We detected significant repeatability for the activity component of the behavioral reaction. There was a significant effect of the context and the interaction between presentation context and sex for avoidance during the first session for males but not for females. Males avoided the mirror more than they avoided a live conspecific. This pilot study opens a discussion on the behavioral differences between males and females regarding social interactions and reproduction in the nocturnal solitary species, and suggests that males are more sensitive to context of stimulation than females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline B. Zablocki-Thomas
- Département d’Écologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Camille Pacou
- Département d’Écologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Justine Mézier
- Département d’Écologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département d’Écologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
- Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Aujard
- Département d’Écologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Pouydebat
- Département d’Écologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
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Kiene F, Andriatsitohaina B, Ramsay MS, Rakotondramanana H, Rakotondravony R, Radespiel U, Strube C. Forest edges affect ectoparasite infestation patterns of small mammalian hosts in fragmented forests in Madagascar. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:299-313. [PMID: 32224123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation drive the worldwide depletion of biodiversity. Although it is known that anthropogenic disturbances severely affect host and ecosystem integrity, effects on parasites are largely understudied. This study aims to investigate if and how habitat fragmentation affects the composition of ectoparasite communities on small mammalian hosts in two networks of dry deciduous forest fragments in northwestern Madagascar. Forest sites differing in size, proportion of edge habitat and host density were studied in the Ankarafantsika National Park and in the Mariarano region. A total of 924 individuals of two mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus (n = 200) and Microcebus ravelobensis (n = 426), and two rodent species, endemic Eliurus myoxinus (n = 114) and introduced Rattus rattus (n = 184), were captured to assess ectoparasite infestations. Ectoparasite prevalence and ectoparasite species richness were statistically related to nine ecological variables applying generalized linear mixed models. Hosts harbored ticks (Haemaphysalis microcebi), mites (Schoutedenichia microcebi, Listrophoroides spp., Laelaptidae gen. spp.) and sucking lice (Lemurpediculus spp., Polyplax sp., Hoplopleuridae gen. sp.). Parasite prevalence differed significantly between host species for all detected parasite taxa. Proximity to the forest edge led to a significant reduction in ectoparasites. Parasite-specific edge effects were observed up to a distance of 750 m from the forest edge. The obtained results imply that habitat fragmentation impacts ectoparasite communities, in particular by negatively affecting temporary parasite species. The results are best explained by an interplay of parasite life cycles, responses to changes in abiotic factors induced by edges and host-specific responses to habitat fragmentation. The negative responses of most studied ectoparasite taxa to forest edges and habitat fragmentation demonstrate their ecological vulnerability that may eventually threaten the integrity of ecosystems and potentially impact ectoparasite biodiversity worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Kiene
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Bertrand Andriatsitohaina
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN), University of Mahajanga, 5 Rue Georges V - Immeuble KAKAL, Mahajanga Be, B.P. 652, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar; Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Malcolm S Ramsay
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S2, Canada; Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Herinjatovo Rakotondramanana
- Faculté des Sciences, de Technologies et de l'Environnement, University of Mahajanga, 5 Rue Georges V - Immeuble KAKAL, Mahajanga Be, B.P. 652, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar
| | - Romule Rakotondravony
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN), University of Mahajanga, 5 Rue Georges V - Immeuble KAKAL, Mahajanga Be, B.P. 652, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar; Faculté des Sciences, de Technologies et de l'Environnement, University of Mahajanga, 5 Rue Georges V - Immeuble KAKAL, Mahajanga Be, B.P. 652, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
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Steffens TS, Mercado Malabet F, Lehman SM. Occurrence of lemurs in landscapes and their species-specific scale responses to habitat loss. Am J Primatol 2020; 82:e23110. [PMID: 32083335 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the impact of habitat loss on species occurrence consistently find that the amount of habitat (measured as patch area) is a major determinant of species occurrence at a patch-level. However, patch-level research may fail to detect important patterns and processes only observable at a landscape-level. A landscape-level approach that incorporates species-specific scale responses is needed to better understand what drives species occurrence. Our aim was to determine the landscape-level scale of effect of habitat amount on the occurrence of three species of nocturnal lemurs (Cheirogaleus medius, Microcebus murinus, and M. ravelobensis). We surveyed line transects to determine the occurrence of three lemur species within a fragmented landscape of deciduous dry forest and anthropogenic grassland in northwestern Madagascar. To determine the scale of effect of habitat loss on lemur occurrence, we compared logistic regression models of occurrence against habitat amount among eight different landscape scales using Akaike's Information Criterion values. We found differing scale responses among the lemurs in our study. Occurrence of C. medius responded to habitat amount at scales between 0.5-4 ha, M. murinus at scales between 1 and 4 ha and M. ravelobensis at scales between 0.125 and 4 ha. We suggest that the scale of effect for C. medius is mediated by their ability to hibernate. A relatively lower scale-response for Microcebus spp. likely reflect their omnivorous diet, small habitat requirements, and limited dispersal ability. Differences in scale responses between M. murinus and M. ravelobensis are likely a result of differing dispersal ability and responses to edge effects between these species. Our study is among the first on lemurs to show the value of a landscape-level approach when assessing the effects of habitat loss on species occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis S Steffens
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Planet Madagascar, Ontario, Guelph, Canada.,Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Shawn M Lehman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kollikowski A, Zimmermann E, Radespiel U. First experimental evidence for olfactory species discrimination in two nocturnal primate species (Microcebus lehilahytsara and M. murinus). Sci Rep 2019; 9:20386. [PMID: 31892739 PMCID: PMC6938479 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56893-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory communication is highly important for nocturnal mammals, especially for solitary foragers, but knowledge is still limited for nocturnal primates. Mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) are nocturnal solitary foragers with a dispersed lifestyle and frequently use chemo-sensory signalling behaviour for governing social interactions. Different mouse lemur species can co-occur in a given forest but it is unknown whether olfaction is involved in species recognition. We first screened 24 captive mouse lemurs (9 M. murinus, 15 M. lehilahytsara) for their olfactory learning potential in an experimental arena and then tested the species discrimination ability with urine odour in an operant conditioning paradigm in four individuals. The majority of the screened animals (75%) did not pass the screening criteria within a 2-week test period. However, all four final test animals, two M. murinus and two M. lehilahytsara, were successfully trained in a 5-step-conditioning process to reliably discriminate conspecific from heterospecific urine odour (requiring an overall median of 293 trials). Findings complement previous studies on the role of acoustic signalling and suggest that olfaction may be an important additional mechanism for species discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kollikowski
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Elke Zimmermann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Wojciechowski FJ, Kaszycka KA, Řeháková M. Social Behavior of a Reproducing Pair of the Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) in Captivity. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2019; 23:493-507. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2019.1689505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Filip J. Wojciechowski
- Department of Human Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Anthropology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- Wings of Serenity Inc., Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Katarzyna A. Kaszycka
- Department of Human Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Anthropology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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Rina Evasoa M, Zimmermann E, Hasiniaina AF, Rasoloharijaona S, Randrianambinina B, Radespiel U. Sources of variation in social tolerance in mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.). BMC Ecol 2019; 19:20. [PMID: 31101046 PMCID: PMC6525410 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0236-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social tolerance strongly influences the patterns of affiliation and aggression in animal societies. However, not much is known about the variation of social tolerance in species living in dispersed social systems that combine solitary foraging activities with the need of coordinating social interactions with conspecifics on a regular basis. This study aims to investigate the sources of variation in social tolerance within a Malagasy primate radiation with dispersed social systems, the mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.). Six mouse lemur species were selected as model species that belong to three different taxonomic clades, live in two types of forest environments (dry and humid), and differed in this study with respect to their reproductive activity. Six male-female and six male-male dyads of each species were tested temporarily in a standardized social encounter paradigm in Madagascar to collect data on joint use of space, non-agonistic body contacts, aggression rates, the number of conflicts and the establishment of intra- and intersexual dominance. RESULTS Male-female dyads of the six species differed significantly in the frequency of affiliative and agonistic behaviors. In contrast, the variations between male-male dyads could not be explained by one parameter only, but clade membership, forest type, reproductive state as well as species were all suggested to be partially influential. Only one species (Microcebus mamiratra) showed signals of unambiguous female dominance in all male-female dyads, whereas the others had no or only a few dyads with female dominance. CONCLUSIONS Variations in social tolerance and its consequences are most likely influenced by two factors, ecology (via forest type) and physiology (via reproductive activity), and only to a lesser extent by clade membership. The study suggests that mouse lemur females have higher aggression rates and more agonistic conflicts with males when females in the population are reproducing, at least in resource-rich humid forests. The study confirms a high degree of social plasticity between species in these small solitary foragers that supports their taxonomic distinctiveness and requires further scientific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamy Rina Evasoa
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Zimmermann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Mandl I, Holderied M, Schwitzer C. Spatiotemporal distribution of individuals as an indicator for the social system of Lepilemur sahamalaza. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22984. [PMID: 31066089 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Primate social systems are highly diverse, complicating the classification of particularly elusive species that are difficult to observe. The spatial distribution of individuals over time is a critica lindicator for the social organization and long-term studies are important to establish patterns of social interactions. In recent years, species of the cryptic, nocturnal sportive lemurs of the genus Lepilemur were found to live in pairs in which a single male and a single female share and defend a mutual home range. The present study aimed to forward research into this underrepresented genus by determining the social organization and structure of the Sahamalaza sportive lemur, L. sahamalaza. We collected 773.15 hr of behavioral and GPS data during a period of 10 months (between 2015 and 2016) on 14 individuals: eight females and six males. There was no evidence of pair-specific home range use as intra- and intersexual home range overlap was high. No pattern of social interactions between focal individuals could be distinguished despite high range overlap. Individuals met and interacted infrequently, resulting in an interaction rate of 0.32 interactions/hr. Sleeping associations between adult individuals were never observed. While both sexes had access to multiple potential mating partners, range sizes or ranging distances did not increase in mating periods. Overall, the social system of Sahamalaza sportive lemurs exhibits aspects of a solitary social organization and structure with potential for the polygamous mating system. These findings underline the importance of detailed social ecology studies that can provide the basis for understanding potential environmental influences on social system variability of closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Mandl
- School of Life Sciences, Life Science Building, Tyndall Avenue, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Holderied
- School of Life Sciences, Life Science Building, Tyndall Avenue, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Schwitzer
- Bristol Zoological Society, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Steffens TS, Lehman SM. Species-area relationships of lemurs in a fragmented landscape in Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2019; 81:e22972. [PMID: 30912595 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We used species-area relationships (SARs) to investigate the effects of habitat loss on lemur biogeography. We measured species richness via visual surveys on line transects within 42 fragments of dry deciduous forest at the Ambanjabe field site in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar. We measured human disturbance and habitat characteristics within 38 of the 42 fragments. We measured the distance between each fragment and the nearest settlement, continuous forest, and nearest neighboring fragment. We fit 10 candidate SAR models to the data using nonlinear least squares regression and compared them using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC). To determine how habitat characteristics, as well as area, influenced species richness, we ran a hierarchical partitioning procedure to select which variables to include in generalized additive models (GAMs) and compared them using AIC. Contrary to expectations, we found that lemurs form convex SARs, without a "small island effect", and with the power model being the most likely SAR model. Although we found that four variables (area, survey effort, and total human disturbance, and mean tree height) independently contributed greater than 10% of the variation in lemur species richness, only area was included in the most likely model. We suggest that the power model was the most likely SAR model and our inability to detect a "small island effect" are the result of Microcebus spp. being edge tolerant and capable of dispersing through matrix, scale issues in the study design, and low γ-diversity in the landscape. However, more study is needed to determine what role human disturbance plays in influencing species richness in lemurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis S Steffens
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Planet Madagascar, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn M Lehman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
AbstractHabitat fragmentation creates habitat edges, and ecological edge effects can cause major changes in the ecology and distribution of many taxa. However, these ecological changes may in turn influence animal movements and lead to molecular edge effects and edge-related genetic structure, matters that are largely unexplored. This study aims to infer molecular edge effects and to test three possible underlying mechanisms in the Endangered golden-brown mouse lemur Microcebus ravelobensis, a nocturnal species in the dry deciduous forest of the Ankarafantsika National Park in north-western Madagascar. Mouse lemurs were sampled in one edge and two interior habitats in close proximity to each other (500–1,400 m) in a continuous forest. A total of 41 mouse lemur samples were genotyped with seven nuclear microsatellites, and a fragment of the mitochondrial control region was sequenced for all samples. The overall genetic diversity (allelic richness, heterozygosity, haplotype richness, nucleotide diversity) was lower in the edge habitat compared to the two interior sites and all subpopulations showed signals of relatively low genetic exchange and significant genetic differentiation between them despite the short geographical distances, supporting the local preference model. These findings can be interpreted as preliminary signals of a molecular edge effect and suggest the potential for local adaptation. They are highly relevant for the conservation of fragmented populations, because a further subdivision of already small populations may increase their vulnerability to stochastic demographic changes and collapse.
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Lemur species-specific metapopulation responses to habitat loss and fragmentation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195791. [PMID: 29742108 PMCID: PMC5942715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Determining what factors affect species occurrence is vital to the study of primate biogeography. We investigated the metapopulation dynamics of a lemur community consisting of eight species (Avahi occidentalis, Propithecus coquereli, Microcebus murinus, Microcebus ravelobensis, Lepilemur edwardsi, Cheirogaleus medius, Eulemur mongoz, and Eulemur fulvus) within fragmented tropical dry deciduous forest habitat in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar. We measured fragment size and isolation of 42 fragments of forest ranging in size from 0.23 to 117.7 ha adjacent to continuous forest. Between June and November 2011, we conducted 1218 surveys and observed six of eight lemur species (M. murinus, M. ravelobensis, C. medius, E. fulvus, P. coquereli, and L. edwardsi) in the 42 fragments. We applied among patch incidence function models (IFMs) with various measures of dispersal and a mainland-island IFM to lemur species occurrence, with the aim of answering the following questions: 1) Do lemur species in dry deciduous forest fragments form metapopulations? 2) What are the separate effects of area (extinction risk) and connectivity/isolation (colonization potential) within a lemur metapopulation? 3) Within simulated metapopulations over time, how do area and connectivity/isolation affect occurrence? and 4) What are the conservation implications of our findings? We found that M. murinus formed either a mainland-island or an among patch metapopulation, M. ravelobensis formed a mainland-island metapopulation, C. medius and E. fulvus formed among patch metapopulations, and neither P. coquereli or L. edwardsi formed a metapopulation. Metapopulation dynamics and simulations suggest that area was a more consistent positive factor determining lemur species occurrence than fragment isolation and is crucial to the maintenance of lemur populations within this fragmented landscape. Using a metapopulation approach to lemur biogeography is critical for understanding how lemur species respond to forest loss and fragmentation.
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Arandjelovic M, Vigilant L. Non-invasive genetic censusing and monitoring of primate populations. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22743. [PMID: 29457631 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the density or abundance of primate populations is essential for their conservation management and contextualizing socio-demographic and behavioral observations. When direct counts of animals are not possible, genetic analysis of non-invasive samples collected from wildlife populations allows estimates of population size with higher accuracy and precision than is possible using indirect signs. Furthermore, in contrast to traditional indirect survey methods, prolonged or periodic genetic sampling across months or years enables inference of group membership, movement, dynamics, and some kin relationships. Data may also be used to estimate sex ratios, sex differences in dispersal distances, and detect gene flow among locations. Recent advances in capture-recapture models have further improved the precision of population estimates derived from non-invasive samples. Simulations using these methods have shown that the confidence interval of point estimates includes the true population size when assumptions of the models are met, and therefore this range of population size minima and maxima should be emphasized in population monitoring studies. Innovations such as the use of sniffer dogs or anti-poaching patrols for sample collection are important to ensure adequate sampling, and the expected development of efficient and cost-effective genotyping by sequencing methods for DNAs derived from non-invasive samples will automate and speed analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Arandjelovic
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Linda Vigilant
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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The effects of a national highway on the Endangered golden-brown mouse lemur Microcebus ravelobensis in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar. ORYX 2017. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605317001284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAlthough roads are often assumed to be barriers to the dispersal of arboreal species, there has been little empirical testing of this assumption. If arboreal animals are unable to cross roads, population subdivision may occur, or resources may become inaccessible. We tested the hypothesis that Route Nationale 4 (RN4), a paved highway, was a barrier to movement and dispersal of the Endangered golden-brown mouse lemur Microcebus ravelobensis in Ankarafantsika National Park, in north-west Madagascar. During June–August 2015 we conducted a capture–mark–recapture study at three sites: two adjacent to RN4 and one within intact forest without a potential barrier. During 2,294 trap nights we captured 120 golden-brown mouse lemurs 1,032 times. In roadside habitats we captured significantly more males than females, whereas the opposite was the case in interior forest habitat. We detected eighteen crossings of highway transects by nine individuals; however, all potential dispersal events involved males. In roadside habitat, movement was significantly inhibited in both males and females. We present some of the first data on the effects of roads on movement patterns in arboreal Malagasy mammals, showing species- and sex-biased effects of roads as dispersal barriers. Our findings indicate that roads may not be complete barriers to dispersal in lemurs. We recommend that conservation managers and scientists examine explicitly the effects of roads and natural arboreal bridges in Madagascar in future studies.
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Hending D, McCabe G, Holderied M. Sleeping and Ranging Behavior of the Sambirano Mouse Lemur, Microcebus sambiranensis. INT J PRIMATOL 2017; 38:1072-1089. [PMID: 29263564 PMCID: PMC5730628 DOI: 10.1007/s10764-017-9997-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Primates require secure sleeping sites for periods of rest, but despite their importance, the characteristics of desired sleeping sites are poorly known. Here we investigated the sleeping ecology of a radio-collared population of the Sambirano mouse lemur, Microcebus sambiranensis, during the nonreproductive season in the Anabohazo forest, northwestern Madagascar. We also investigated their ranging behavior and examined the spatial distribution of sleeping sites within the home ranges of the collared individuals. We took measurements of the sleeping tree's physical characteristics and recorded the number of collared individuals using each sleeping site. We found that M. sambiranensis generally use foliage sleeping sites more frequently than tree holes and individuals slept more frequently in densely foliated trees than in sparsely foliated trees, often alone. We observed no significant differences in home range size or nightly travel distance between males and females; however, home ranges were smaller than those described for other mouse lemur species. Finally, we found that M. sambiranensis sleep peripherally and forage centrally within their home ranges, a behavior not previously described for mouse lemurs. Our results indicate profound differences in the social organization between M. sambiranensis and other mouse lemur species described in the literature, suggesting species-specificity in mouse lemur ecology. Understanding the sleeping ecology and ranging behavior of mouse lemurs is of great importance to their conservation, as these data facilitate the planning of long-term reforestation, habitat management, and population assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hending
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH UK
- Bristol Zoological Society, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA UK
| | - Grainne McCabe
- Bristol Zoological Society, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3HA UK
| | - Marc Holderied
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH UK
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Setash CM, Zohdy S, Gerber BD, Karanewsky CJ. A biogeographical perspective on the variation in mouse lemur density throughout Madagascar. Mamm Rev 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Casey M. Setash
- Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO 80523-1484 USA
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- Centre ValBio Research Station; BP 33 Ranomafana 312 Ifanadiana Madagascar
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL 36849 USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine; Auburn University; Auburn AL 36849 USA
| | - Brian D. Gerber
- Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; Colorado State University; Fort Collins CO 80523-1484 USA
| | - Caitlin J. Karanewsky
- Centre ValBio Research Station; BP 33 Ranomafana 312 Ifanadiana Madagascar
- Department of Ecology and Evolution; Stony Brook University; Stony Brook NY 11794 USA
- Department of Biochemistry; Stanford University; Stanford CA 94305-5307 USA
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18
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Ezran C, Karanewsky CJ, Pendleton JL, Sholtz A, Krasnow MR, Willick J, Razafindrakoto A, Zohdy S, Albertelli MA, Krasnow MA. The Mouse Lemur, a Genetic Model Organism for Primate Biology, Behavior, and Health. Genetics 2017; 206:651-664. [PMID: 28592502 PMCID: PMC5499178 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.199448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Systematic genetic studies of a handful of diverse organisms over the past 50 years have transformed our understanding of biology. However, many aspects of primate biology, behavior, and disease are absent or poorly modeled in any of the current genetic model organisms including mice. We surveyed the animal kingdom to find other animals with advantages similar to mice that might better exemplify primate biology, and identified mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) as the outstanding candidate. Mouse lemurs are prosimian primates, roughly half the genetic distance between mice and humans. They are the smallest, fastest developing, and among the most prolific and abundant primates in the world, distributed throughout the island of Madagascar, many in separate breeding populations due to habitat destruction. Their physiology, behavior, and phylogeny have been studied for decades in laboratory colonies in Europe and in field studies in Malagasy rainforests, and a high quality reference genome sequence has recently been completed. To initiate a classical genetic approach, we developed a deep phenotyping protocol and have screened hundreds of laboratory and wild mouse lemurs for interesting phenotypes and begun mapping the underlying mutations, in collaboration with leading mouse lemur biologists. We also seek to establish a mouse lemur gene "knockout" library by sequencing the genomes of thousands of mouse lemurs to identify null alleles in most genes from the large pool of natural genetic variants. As part of this effort, we have begun a citizen science project in which students across Madagascar explore the remarkable biology around their schools, including longitudinal studies of the local mouse lemurs. We hope this work spawns a new model organism and cultivates a deep genetic understanding of primate biology and health. We also hope it establishes a new and ethical method of genetics that bridges biological, behavioral, medical, and conservation disciplines, while providing an example of how hands-on science education can help transform developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Ezran
- Department of Biochemistry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and
| | | | | | - Alex Sholtz
- Department of Biochemistry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and
| | - Maya R Krasnow
- Department of Biochemistry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and
| | - Jason Willick
- Department of Biochemistry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and
| | - Andriamahery Razafindrakoto
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo 101, BP 566, Madagascar, and
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36849
| | - Megan A Albertelli
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305
| | - Mark A Krasnow
- Department of Biochemistry
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and
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Kappeler PM, Cuozzo FP, Fichtel C, Ganzhorn JU, Gursky-Doyen S, Irwin MT, Ichino S, Lawler R, Nekaris KAI, Ramanamanjato JB, Radespiel U, Sauther ML, Wright PC, Zimmermann E. Long-term field studies of lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers. J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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20
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Female dominance in two basal primates, Microcebus murinus and Microcebus lehilahytsara: variation and determinants. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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21
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Karanewsky CJ, Wright PC. A preliminary investigation of sleeping site selection and sharing by the brown mouse lemurMicrocebus rufusduring the dry season. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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22
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Blanco MB, Rasoazanabary E, Godfrey LR. Unpredictable environments, opportunistic responses: Reproduction and population turnover in two wild mouse lemur species (Microcebus rufus and M. griseorufus) from eastern and western Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:936-947. [PMID: 26031477 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Small-bodied, nocturnal mouse lemurs (Microcebus) are widespread across diverse forest habitats in Madagascar. They are strict seasonal breeders and can, depending on the habitat and species, undergo daily or prolonged torpor to minimize energy expenditure during periods of food and water scarcity. Duration of reproduction, number of litters per season and timing of births vary across individuals and species. The "polyestry-seasonality" hypothesis proposes that the duration of reproduction and number of litters per year are positively correlated with rainfall but negatively correlated with longevity, whereas the "hypervariability" hypothesis suggests that the duration of reproduction is negatively correlated with the degree of predictability of food resources. We test these hypotheses in two mouse lemur species inhabiting contrasting habitats, the brown mouse lemurs, Microcebus rufus, from Ranomafana (a less seasonal and more climatically predictable habitat) and the gray-brown mouse lemurs, M. griseorufus, from Beza Mahafaly (a more seasonal and less climatically predictable environment). We use capture/mark/recapture techniques and records of female reproductive status. We found evidence of polyestry at both study sites but faster population turnover and longer duration of the reproductive season at Beza Mahafaly. The "polyestry-seasonality" hypothesis is not supported but the "hypervariability" hypothesis could not be rejected. We conclude that reproductive output cannot be tied to climatic factors in a simple manner. Paradoxically, polyestry can be expressed in contrasting habitats: less seasonal forests where females can sustain multiple reproductive events, but also highly seasonal environments where females may not fatten sufficiently to sustain prolonged torpor but instead remain active throughout the year by relying on fallback resources. Am. J. Primatol. 77:936-947, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurie R Godfrey
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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Radespiel U, Schaber K, Kessler SE, Schaarschmidt F, Strube C. Variations in the excretion patterns of helminth eggs in two sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis) in northwestern Madagascar. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:941-54. [PMID: 25563604 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Many factors can influence the parasite load of animal hosts, but integrative studies that simultaneously investigate several factors are still rare in many taxonomic groups. This study investigates the influence of host species, host population density, parasite transmission mode, sex, and two temporal (month, year) factors on gastrointestinal parasite prevalence and fecal egg counts of two endemic primate species from Madagascar, Microcebus ravelobensis and Microcebus murinus. A total of 646 fecal samples were available and analyzed from three dry seasons. Six different helminth egg morphotypes were found, and these were Subulura sp. (14.51 % prevalence), strongyle eggs (12.95 %), Ascaris sp. (7.94 %), Lemuricola sp. (0.17 %), and two forms of tapeworms (Hymenolepis spp.) (1.73 and 0.69 %). Coinfection with more than one egg type was observed in 21.22 % of the samples containing eggs. Multivariate analyses revealed that host species and sex did neither explain significant variation in the prevalence and fecal egg counts of parasites with direct life cycles (Ascaris sp., strongyle egg type, Lemuricola sp.) nor of arthropod-transmitted parasites (Subulura sp.). However, fecal egg counts of Subulura sp. differed significantly between study sites, and the prevalence of Subulura sp. and of parasites with direct life cycles was influenced by temporal parameters, mainly by differences between study years and partly between months. When comparing the findings with the yearly and seasonal rainfall patterns in the area, most results are in accordance with the hypothesis of an increased vulnerability of the host toward infection under some sort of environmental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany,
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24
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Dröscher I, Kappeler PM. Defining the Low End of Primate Social Complexity: The Social Organization of the Nocturnal White-Footed Sportive Lemur ( Lepilemur leucopus). INT J PRIMATOL 2013; 34:1225-1243. [PMID: 24347750 PMCID: PMC3858612 DOI: 10.1007/s10764-013-9735-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Whereas other species of sportive lemurs (genus Lepilemur) have been described as living in dispersed pairs, which are characterized by spatial overlap but a lack of affinity or affiliation between one adult male and female, existing reports on the social organization of the white-footed sportive lemur (Lepilemur leucopus) are conflicting, describing them as either living in dispersed one-male multifemale systems or pairs. We conducted this study in the spiny forest of Berenty Reserve, southern Madagascar, to clarify the social organization and to characterize the level of social complexity of this species. We combined 1530 h of radio-telemetry and behavioral observations over a period of 1 yr to describe the spatiotemporal stability, size, and interindividual overlap of individual home ranges as well as interindividual cohesiveness. Results revealed low intra- and high intersexual home range overlap. Although most of the social units identified consisted of dispersed pairs (N = 5), males were associated with two adult females in two cases. Furthermore, members of a social unit were never observed to groom each other or to share a daytime sleeping site, and Hutchinson's and Doncaster's dynamic interaction tests indicated active avoidance between pair partners. Low cohesiveness together with extremely low rates of social interactions therefore arguably places Lepilemur leucopus at the low end of primate social complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Dröscher
- Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter M. Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology & Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Sociobiology/Anthropology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute of Zoology & Anthropology, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Effects of Habitat Degradation on Sleeping Site Choice and Use in Sahamalaza Sportive Lemurs (Lepilemur sahamalazensis). INT J PRIMATOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-013-9658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Jürges V, Kitzler J, Zingg R, Radespiel U. First insights into the social organisation of Goodman's mouse lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara)--testing predictions from socio-ecological hypotheses in the Masoala hall of Zurich Zoo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 84:32-48. [PMID: 23363617 DOI: 10.1159/000345917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Following current socio-ecological hypotheses, the social organisation of a species is mainly determined by resource quality and distribution. In the case of Microcebus spp., a taxon-specific socio-ecological model was formulated earlier to explain their variable social organisation. The aim of this study was to test predictions from this model in Goodman's mouse lemur based on a data set from animals living in the semi-free colony of Zurich Zoo. During a 2-month study, we observed 5 females and 5 males using radiotelemetry. We collected data on space use and social behaviour, on sleeping sites and on sleeping group composition. Predictions were only partly confirmed. As expected, Goodman's mouse lemurs were solitary foragers with an increased level of sociality due to crowding effects at the feeding stations. In contrast to the prediction, females and males formed unisexual sleeping groups, which were stable in females and of a fission-fusion type in males. Whereas the formation of sleeping groups by both sexes may be triggered by thermoregulatory benefits, the formation of unisexual sleeping groups may result from divergent interests of the sexes. We conclude that the existing model for the evolution of mouse lemur social organisation needs to be refined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Jürges
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Hanover, Germany
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27
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Eichmueller P, Thorén S, Radespiel U. The lack of female dominance in golden-brown mouse lemurs suggests alternative routes in lemur social evolution. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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28
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MEYLER SAMUELVIANA, SALMONA JORDI, IBOUROI MOHAMEDTHANI, BESOLO AUBIN, RASOLONDRAIBE EMMANUEL, RADESPIEL UTE, RABARIVOLA CLÉMENT, CHIKHI LOUNES. Density Estimates of Two Endangered Nocturnal Lemur Species From Northern Madagascar: New Results and a Comparison of Commonly Used Methods. Am J Primatol 2012; 74:414-22. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.21997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SAMUEL VIANA MEYLER
- Population and Conservation Genetics Group; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia; Oeiras; Portugal
| | - JORDI SALMONA
- Population and Conservation Genetics Group; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia; Oeiras; Portugal
| | - MOHAMED THANI IBOUROI
- Université de Mahajanga; Faculté des Sciences; Campus Universitaire Ambondrona; Mahajanga; Madagascar
| | - AUBIN BESOLO
- Université de Mahajanga; Faculté des Sciences; Campus Universitaire Ambondrona; Mahajanga; Madagascar
| | - EMMANUEL RASOLONDRAIBE
- Université de Mahajanga; Faculté des Sciences; Campus Universitaire Ambondrona; Mahajanga; Madagascar
| | - UTE RADESPIEL
- Institute of Zoology; University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover; Hanover; Germany
| | - CLÉMENT RABARIVOLA
- Université de Mahajanga; Faculté des Sciences; Campus Universitaire Ambondrona; Mahajanga; Madagascar
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Joly M. Tsidy, Repahaka sy Fotsife: 15 years research on nocturnal lemurs in the Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar1. REVUE DE PRIMATOLOGIE 2011. [DOI: 10.4000/primatologie.758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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30
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Kappel P, Hohenbrink S, Radespiel U. Experimental evidence for olfactory predator recognition in wild mouse lemurs. Am J Primatol 2011; 73:928-38. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Revised: 03/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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31
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Thorén S, Linnenbrink M, Radespiel U. Different competitive potential in two coexisting mouse lemur species in northwestern Madagascar. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2011; 145:156-62. [PMID: 21412995 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Thorén
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Germany.
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32
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Génin F. Who sleeps with whom? Sleeping association and socio-territoriality inMicrocebus griseorufus. J Mammal 2010. [DOI: 10.1644/09-mamm-a-239.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Rakotondravony R, Radespiel U. Varying patterns of coexistence of two mouse lemur species (Microcebus ravelobensis and M. murinus) in a heterogeneous landscape. Am J Primatol 2010; 71:928-38. [PMID: 19676112 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The coexistence of closely related species is not easily understood on the basis of ecological theories. This study investigates the extent of coexistence of two congeneric species of Microcebus murinus (MUR) and M. ravelobensis (RAV) in northwestern Madagascar. Their presence and local relative population densities were determined by capturing and nocturnal transect counts and compared at 22 study sites in the Ankarafantsika National Park. All sites were characterized with regard to their altitude, access to surface water, and 19 structural vegetation characteristics. RAV and MUR were not equally distributed over this regional scale. RAV occurred in more sites and at higher maximum densities than MUR. The relative population densities of both species were significantly and negatively correlated with each other. Whereas the relative population densities of MUR increased with altitude and were highest in dry habitats far from surface water, the relative population densities of RAV generally decreased with altitude and were highest in low altitude habitats close to surface water. The results of the vegetation characteristics also reflect these general trends. The divergent pattern of local and regional coexistence of these two species is discussed and can be best explained either by the existence of a spatially heterogeneous competitive environment or by independent evolutionary pathways in different historic environments.
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Females go where the food is: does the socio-ecological model explain variation in social organisation of solitary foragers? Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-009-0737-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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35
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Home Range Size and Use in Allocebus trichotis in Analamazaotra Special Reserve, Central Eastern Madagascar. INT J PRIMATOL 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-009-9349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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36
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Rasoloharijaona S, Randrianambinina B, Zimmermann E. Sleeping site ecology in a rain-forest dwelling nocturnal lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus): implications for sociality and conservation. Am J Primatol 2008; 70:247-53. [PMID: 17894402 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Suitable sleeping sites as potentially restricted resources are suggested to shape sociality in primates. We investigated sleeping site ecology of a rain-forest dwelling sportive lemur in eastern Madagascar for the first time. Using radiotelemetry, we characterized the type, quality and usage of sleeping sites as well as social sleeping habits of 11 focal individuals of the weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus) during the dry and the onset of the rainy season. Morphometric measurements provided additional information. The sexes showed an unusual sexual dimorphism for primates. Males and females did not differ in body length, but females surpassed males in body mass suggesting female dominance. Both sexes used dense vegetation and holes in hollow trees high above the ground as shelters for sleeping during the day. No sex difference in the quality of tree holes was found, but focal individuals used tree holes more often than open sleeping sites in dense vegetation. Both sexes showed high sleeping site fidelity limited to two to six different sites that they used primarily solitarily. The results imply that suitable sleeping sites are limited and survival of this species will strongly depend on the availability of mature rain forests with suitable hollow trees. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence of a solitary sleeping and ranging system in this rain-forest dwelling sportive lemur with suitable sleeping sites as defendable resources.
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Louis EE, Engberg SE, McGuire SM, McCormick MJ, Randriamampionona R, Ranaivoarisoa JF, Bailey CA, Mittermeier RA, Lei R. Revision of the Mouse Lemurs,Microcebus(Primates, Lemuriformes), of Northern and Northwestern Madagascar with Descriptions of Two New Species at Montagne d'Ambre National Park and Antafondro Classified Forest. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1896/052.023.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Radespiel U, Rakotondravony R, Chikhi L. Natural and anthropogenic determinants of genetic structure in the largest remaining population of the endangered golden-brown mouse lemur,Microcebus ravelobensis. Am J Primatol 2008; 70:860-70. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Braune P, Schmidt S, Zimmermann E. Acoustic divergence in the communication of cryptic species of nocturnal primates (Microcebus ssp.). BMC Biol 2008; 6:19. [PMID: 18462484 PMCID: PMC2390514 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-6-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A central question in evolutionary biology is how cryptic species maintain species cohesiveness in an area of sympatry. The coexistence of sympatrically living cryptic species requires the evolution of species-specific signalling and recognition systems. In nocturnal, dispersed living species, specific vocalisations have been suggested to act as an ideal premating isolation mechanism. We studied the structure and perception of male advertisement calls of three nocturnal, dispersed living mouse lemur species, the grey mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), the golden brown mouse lemur (M. ravelobensis) and the Goodman's mouse lemur (M. lehilahytsara). The first two species occur sympatrically, the latter lives allopatrically to them. Results A multi-parameter sound analysis revealed prominent differences in the frequency contour and in the duration of advertisement calls. To test whether mouse lemurs respond specifically to calls of the different species, we conducted a playback experiment with M. murinus from the field using advertisement calls and alarm whistle calls of all three species. Individuals responded significantly stronger to conspecific than to heterospecific advertisement calls but there were no differences in response behaviour towards statistically similar whistle calls of the three species. Furthermore, sympatric calls evoked weaker interest than allopatric advertisement calls. Conclusion Our results provide the first evidence for a specific relevance of social calls for speciation in cryptic primates. They furthermore support that specific differences in signalling and recognition systems represent an efficient premating isolation mechanism contributing to species cohesiveness in sympatrically living species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Braune
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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Schmelting B, Zimmermann E, Berke O, Bruford MW, Radespiel U. Experience-dependent recapture rates and reproductive success in male grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2007; 133:743-52. [PMID: 17295302 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.20566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Male mating tactics can vary according to the potential for scramble or contest competition but also as a consequence of individual characteristics, such as body condition and previous experience. The influence of experience, i.e., residency, on male recapture rates and reproductive success was studied in a population of free-living grey mouse lemurs. Long-term capture data from 320 individuals revealed that both sexes had very low recapture probabilities within their first year in the study population, but recapture rates declined less sharply during the following years. Capture results and telemetric analyses on 12 focal males revealed that resident males had larger body mass and larger home ranges than new males. Home range size correlated with the number of accessible females, indicating that resident males had higher probabilities to meet mates than new males. The reproductive success of 132 candidate fathers, representing both resident and new males, was determined by means of molecular genotyping. Paternity determination was successful in 38 cases (success rate: 19%). Sixteen resident males and seventeen new males sired offspring. However, in relation to the number of candidate fathers being present in the mating season, resident males were twice as likely to reproduce successfully as new males. These findings suggest experience-dependent reproductive tactics that most likely correspond to a differential spatial knowledge of resources, mates and potential threats. The results generally agree with the predictions made for a scramble competition regime and demonstrate substantial behavioral plasticity in a nocturnal primate species with a dispersed multi-male/multi-female mating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barthel Schmelting
- Clinical Neurobiology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen 37077, Germany
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MtDNA reveals strong genetic differentiation among geographically isolated populations of the golden brown mouse lemur, Microcebus ravelobensis. CONSERV GENET 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-006-9228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Radespiel U, Reimann W, Rahelinirina M, Zimmermann E. Feeding Ecology of Sympatric Mouse Lemur Species in Northwestern Madagascar. INT J PRIMATOL 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-005-9005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Schülke O, Ostner J. Big times for dwarfs: Social organization, sexual selection, and cooperation in the Cheirogaleidae. Evol Anthropol 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/evan.20081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Braune P, Schmidt S, Zimmermann E. Spacing and group coordination in a nocturnal primate, the golden brown mouse lemur (Microcebus ravelobensis): the role of olfactory and acoustic signals. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-005-0944-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Yoder AD, Olson LE, Hanley C, Heckman KL, Rasoloarison R, Russell AL, Ranivo J, Soarimalala V, Karanth KP, Raselimanana AP, Goodman SM. A multidimensional approach for detecting species patterns in Malagasy vertebrates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102 Suppl 1:6587-94. [PMID: 15851666 PMCID: PMC1131875 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0502092102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The biodiversity of Madagascar is extraordinarily distinctive, diverse, and endangered. It is therefore urgent that steps be taken to document, describe, interpret, and protect this exceptional biota. As a collaborative group of field and laboratory biologists, we employ a suite of methodological and analytical tools to investigate the vertebrate portion of Madagascar's fauna. Given that species are the fundamental unit of evolution, where micro- and macroevolutionary forces converge to generate biological diversity, a thorough understanding of species distribution and abundance is critical for understanding the evolutionary, ecological, and biogeographic forces that have shaped Malagasy vertebrate diversity. We illustrate the means by which we apply Mayr's "three basic tasks" of the systematist [Mayr, E. (1942) Systematics and the Origin of Species from the Viewpoint of a Zoologist (Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge, MA)] to identify, classify, and study the organisms that together constitute Madagascar's vertebrate community. Using field inventory methods, specimen-based studies, and morphological and molecular analyses, we formulate hypotheses of species identity that then serve as the foundation for subsequent studies of biology and history. Our experience, as well as that of other investigators, has shown that much of the vertebrate species diversity in Madagascar is "cryptic" for both biological and practical reasons. Beyond issues of cryptic biological diversity, the resolution of species identity in Madagascar has been hampered because of a lack of vouchered comparative material at the population level. Through our activities, we are attempting to remedy these limitations while simultaneously enhancing research capacity in Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne D Yoder
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Gebo DL. A shrew-sized origin for primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2004; Suppl 39:40-62. [PMID: 15605387 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.20154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The origin of primates has had a long history of discussion and debate, with few ever considering the impact of the original body weight on subsequent primate adaptive radiations. Here, I attempt to reconstruct early primate evolution by considering the initial size of primates as well as the critical functional-adaptive events that had to occur prior to the early Eocene. Microcebus is often viewed as a living model, and thus 40-65 g might represent a practical ancestral weight for the origin of primates. I consider a smaller original body weight, likely 10-15 g in actual size, and I address the biological implications for shrew-sized primates by comparing the behavioral ecology of mouse lemurs, our smallest living primates, to another tiny-sized mammalian group, the shrews (Family Soricidae). Several behavioral and ecological characteristics are shared by shrews and mouse lemurs, and several mammalian trends are evident with decreased size. I suggest that a shrew-sized ancestral primate would have had high metabolic, reproductive, and predation rates, relatively low population densities, and a dispersed and solitary existence with a promiscuous mating system. Although small mammals like shrews provide insights concerning the ancestral size of primates, primate origins have always been tied to arboreality. I assess other potential arboreal models such as Ptilocercus and Caluromys. By combining all of this information, I try to sequence the events in a functional-adaptive series that had to occur before the early Eocene primate radiations. I suggest that all of these important adaptive events had to occur at a small body size below 50 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Gebo
- Department of Anthropology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115, USA.
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Randrianambinina B, Rakotondravony D, Radespiel U, Zimmermann E. Seasonal changes in general activity, body mass and reproduction of two small nocturnal primates: a comparison of the golden brown mouse lemur ( Microcebus ravelobensis) in Northwestern Madagascar and the brown mouse lemur ( Microcebus rufus) in Eastern Madagascar. Primates 2003; 44:321-31. [PMID: 14593515 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-003-0046-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2002] [Accepted: 04/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To investigate for the first time the relationship between contrasting patterns of seasonal changes of the environment and activity, body mass and reproduction for small nocturnal primates in nature, we compared a population of golden brown mouse lemur ( Microcebus ravelobensis) in a dry deciduous forest of northwestern Madagascar and of the brown mouse lemur ( Microcebus rufus) in an evergreen rain forest of eastern Madagascar. Both species live under similar photoperiodic conditions. Golden brown mouse lemurs (GBML) were active during the whole period (May to December) irrespective of changing environmental conditions. In contrast, a part of the population of brown mouse lemurs (BML) showed prolonged seasonal torpor, related to body mass during periods of short day length and low ambient temperatures. Differences between species might be due to differences in ambient temperature and food supply. Body weight and tail thickness (adipose tissue reserve) did not show prominent differences between short and long photoperiods in GBML, whereas both differ significantly in BML, suggesting species-specific differences in the photoperiodically driven control of metabolism. Both species showed a seasonal reproduction. The rate of growth and size of the testes were similar and preceded estrous onset in both species suggesting a photoperiodic control of reproduction in males. The estrous onset in females occurred earlier in GBML than in BML. Estrous females were observed over at least 4 months in the former, but in only 1 month in the latter species. Intraspecific variation of estrous onset in GBML may be explained by body mass. Interspecific variation of female reproduction indicates species-specific differences in the control of reproduction. Thus, environmentally related differences in annual rhythms between closely related small nocturnal lemurs emerged that allow them to cope with contrasting patterns of seasonal changes in their habitats.
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