Fragment-adaptive behavioural strategies and intersite variation in the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in south-central Madagascar

Abstract

Behaviour, diet and population demography were sampled and compared between two forest fragment-living populations of wild ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in south-central Madagascar. Both sites-a fragment in the Tsaranoro Valley near Andringitra National Park, and a more densely populated fragment at Anja, much closer to human habitation-are sacred forests (sites of human burial) surrounded by anthropogenically produced savannah, and are subject to traditional protective prohibitions (fady). Both sites attract tourists, but are operated differently, with Anja receiving considerably more tourists; the resources available to the L. catta also differ at each site, affecting their behaviour. L. catta at Tsaranoro spent more time feeding, and less time resting and engaging in social behaviour than those at Anja, where abundant fruit from introduced trees, as well as plentiful drinking water, are available and resource abundance is relatively higher. Although the fragments are of similar size and were expected to differ little, many significant behavioural and population differences were observed, suggesting the importance of the refinement of rapid assessment techniques for judging the habitat suitability and conservation value of small forest fragments.