Preliminary results on the behavioral ecology of the hairy-eared dwarf lemur (Allocebus trichotis) in Andasibe, Eastern Madagascar

Abstract

I describe the results of a 4-month study in Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Forest Station, eastern central Madagascar, in which I made observations of the behavioral ecology of the elusive hairy-eared dwarf lemur, Allocebus trichotis. Animals were followed on 12 occasions in 8 different localities between 869 and 934 m altitude. I observed the microhabitats, supports and heights at which the animals were seen, built an ethogram including the species' behaviors and postures, and recorded all items that the animals included in their diets during this period. The Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Forest Station constitute good areas in which to study this cryptic, rare cheirogaleid.