Comportement De Territorialité De Propithecus Deckenii Dans Les Aires Protégées Complexe Tsimembo Manambolomaty Et Mandrozo

This study aims to understand the behavior territoriality of the lemur Decken's Sifaka Propithecus deckenii in the Protected Areas (PAs) Complexe Tsimembo Manambolomaty and Mandrozo in the central-west of Madagascar between November 2017 and April 2018, and between July and October 2018. The continuous focal animal sampling method was used to monitor eight groups of Sifakas, two groups of the intact habitat and two groups from the disturbed habitat in each PA. Scent marking frequencies per focal groups differs between the two habitats types and is influenced by sex in favor of males. Season does not impacted this activity. The home range (define by MCP and 95% Kernel density estimate) and core area varies between monitored groups and the daily path length can reach 234 ± 98 m to 362 ± 110 m. These parameters are not influenced by season and habitat types. However, the intensity of territory use does not have any variation among the studied groups. The mean average « defensibility index » value for P. deckenii is 1.74 ± 0.70 (n = 8). The studied species has ability to adjust their territorial behavior, despite the degradation of habitat in sustainable use zone

A new frog species of the subgenus Asperomantis (Anura, Mantellidae, Gephyromantis) from the Bealanana District of northern Madagascar

A recent study on a group of rough-skinned Gephyromantis frogs from Madagascar (Anura: Mantellidae: Mantellinae) established a new subgenus, Asperomantis, with five described species and one undescribed candidate species. Based on newly collected material from the Bealanana District, we address the taxonomy of this candidate species, and reveal that it consists of two populations with low genetic and morphological divergence but considerable bioacoustic differences that are obvious to the human ear. As a result, we describe some of the specimens formerly assigned to Gephyromantis sp. Ca28 as G. angano sp. n. and assign the remaining specimens from a locality between Bealanana and Antsohihy to a new Unconfirmed Candidate Species, G. sp. Ca29. Gephyromantis angano sp. n. is a small species that strongly resembles G. asper and G. ceratophrys, but it differs from these and all other Gephyromantis species by a unique, clinking advertisement call. The new species may be highly threatened by habitat fragmentation, but at present we recommend it be treated as Data Deficient until more data are available to assess its distribution. We discuss the curious relationship between G. angano sp. n. and G. sp. Ca29, which we suspect may represent a case of incipient speciation. We also identify two additional new Unconfirmed Candidate Species of Gephyromantis based on sequence data from other specimens collected during our surveys in the Bealanana District

Protected area surface extension in Madagascar: Do endemism and threatened species remain useful criteria for site selection?

The ‘hotspot approach’ considers that endemism and threatened species are key factors in protected area designation. Three wetland and forest sites have been proposed to be included into Madagascar’s system of protected areas (SAPM – Système des Aires Protégées de Madagascar). These sites are Manambolomaty (14,701 ha) and Mandrozo (15,145 ha) in the west and Bemanevika (37,041 ha) in the north. Biodiversity inventories of these three sites recorded 243 endemic species comprised of 44 reptiles, 54 amphibians, 104 birds, 23 small mammals, 17 lemurs and one fish. Of these 243 species, 30 are threatened taxa comprising two Critically Endangered (CR), 11 Endangered (EN) and 17 Vulnerable (VU) species. The long term ecological viability of these sites has been shown by population stability of the two Critically Endangered flagship species, the Madagascar fish eagle (Haliaeetus vociferoides) in Manambolomaty and Mandrozo and the recently rediscovered Madagascar pochard (Aythya innotata) in Bemanevika. Other threatened species and high biological diversity also justifies their inclusion into Madagascar’s SAPM.RÉSUMÉL’endémisme et les espèces menacées constituent les éléments clef pour la création des aires protégées. Trois zones humides de Madagascar ainsi que leurs forêts avoisinantes sont proposées pour la protection sous le nouveau système des aires protégées malgaches connu sous le sigle SAPM (Système d’Aires Protégées de Madagascar) : Manambolomaty (14.701 ha) et Mandrozo (15.145 ha) à l’Ouest et Bemanevika (37.041 ha) dans le Nord. Les inventaires biologiques entrepris dans ces trois sites ont montré que 243 espèces y sont endémiques, avec 44 reptiles, 54 amphibiens, 104 oiseaux, 23 petits mammifères, 17 lémuriens et un poisson. Parmi ces 243 espèces, 30 sont menacées d’extinction avec deux qui sont en danger critique d’extinction (CR), 11 en danger (EN) et 17 vulnérables (VU). La survie écologique à long terme de ces sites a été avérée avec la découverte de la stabilité des populations des deux espèces indicatrices en danger critique d’extinction que sont le Pygargue de Madagascar (Haliaeetus vociferoides) à Manambolomaty et Mandrozo et une espèce récemment redécouverte, le Fuligule de Madagascar (Aythya innotata) à Bemanevika. La stabilité de plusieurs autres espèces menacées ainsi que la diversité biologique de ces sites justifient leur inclusion dans le SAPM. Les sept associations locales, deux à Manambolomaty, deux à Bemanevika et trois à Mandrozo, ont supporté le programme de suivi de ces sites ainsi que de ces espèces indicatrices en montrant ainsi leur engagement dans le processus de création des aires protégées. Le Peregrine Fund a travaillé dans ces sites en vue de mettre en synergie ses objectifs de conservation avec le développement socio-économique local

Habitat and Distribution of the Ruffed Lemur, Varecia , North of the Bay of Antongil in Northeastern Madagascar

Here we present information on the conservation status of ruffed lemurs (Varecia) north of the Bay of Antongil in northeastern Madagascar. Two contiguous protected areas were recently established that traverse this region via blocks of forest connected by narrow forest corridors: the Masoala National Park, which expands further to the east, and the Makira Protected Area, which expands further to the west and northwest. The two extant ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata and V. rubra, overlapped in this region historically and, on rare occasions, hybridized. As such, land north of the Bay of Antongil is a critical part of the ruffed lemur\u27s northern geographic range. Habitat surveys and interviews with local informants were carried out in this region to determine the extent of suitable habitat for Varecia populations, to assess the extent of human exploitation of this genus, and to obtain data on the western and northern range limits of V. rubra. Interviews indicated that there are populations of V. rubraas far northwest as the confluence of the Antainambalana and Sahantaha Rivers. Surveys and interviews revealed extensive habitat degradation and lemur hunting in the three major river drainages north of the Bay of Antongil. The recent establishment of protected forest blocks and forest corridors in the region was critical, as these links will provide the only connections between Varecia populations that would otherwise be entirely isolated in forest patches surrounded by agricultural land. The geo-referenced habitat survey and the summary of interview results provided here can be used as comparators for future population and habitat assessments following the establishment of the protected areas. A primary direction for future work should be to examine how Varecia populations are adapting to conditions in and near forest corridors

Nest characteristics of Yellow-billed Kites Milvus aegyptius in the Manambolomaty Lakes Complex, western Madagascar

We studied the nesting biology of Yellow-billed Kites Milvus aegyptius in the Manambolomaty Lakes Complex of western Madagascar during 2002 and 2003. We recorded 64 nesting attempts. In 2003, 33% (n = 39 nests) of the occupied nests were from the previous breeding season. The average time for building new nests was 57 d (SD = 30.6; range 18–83 d; n = 5 nests). Males contributed 75% of the nesting material. All nests were built of dry sticks and other unique nest materials. During the nest building period, 83% (n = 241) of the dry sticks were collected less than 50 m from the nest tree. The unique nest material was collected from the ground and delivered to the nest 10 d prior to egg-laying. The average distance between neighbouring nests was 264 m (SD = 270.8, range = 26–1 081, n = 33 nests). Yellow-billed Kite nests averaged 9.6 m (SD = 2.4; range 4–14.8 m; n = 64 nests) above ground level and 64% (41 of 64 nests) were in tamarind trees (Tamarindus indica). Nest trees mean DBH was 63.9 cm (SD = 28.1, range 25–200 cm; n = 64 nests).Keywords: Manambolomaty Lakes Complex, Milvus aegyptius, nest characteristics, western Madagascar, Yellow-billed KiteOSTRICH 2013, 84(1): 79–8

Breeding ecology and nestling growth of the Madagascar Pond Heron Ardeola idae in a monospecific colony at Sofia Lake, northern Madagascar

The breeding ecology of the endangered Madagascar Pond Heron Ardeola idae was studied at Sofia Lake, northern Madagascar, during two  consecutive breeding seasons (October 2017–April 2018 and October 2018– April 2019). Altogether 158 nests were documented at a monospecific breeding colony for both seasons combined. The breeding season occurred between November and April. Nest construction started from the middle of November and it took 8.2 ± 2.5 d on average to complete a nest (n = 158 nests, range = 5–13 d). All the nests were build inside clusters of Papyrus Cyperus madagascariensis. The nest density was 0.31 nests m−2 and 0.20 nests m−2 for Season 1 and Season 2, respectively. Egg laying took place between November and January, but it continued throughout February for renesting attempts (second clutches laid). Mean clutch sizewas 2.9 ± 0.68 eggs (n = 158, range = 2–4). Incubation started with the laying of the first egg, producing an asynchronous hatching. The incubation period averaged 20.6 ± 0.9 d (n = 158, range = 20–22 d). Of the 461 eggs laid in 158 nests, 399 (86.6%) hatched, and 326 (70.7%) of those hatchlings fledged, a reproductive success of 2.06 fledglings per nesting attempt. Data obtained from 34 measured nestlings showed a rapid growth of all measured biometric parameters, except for tarsus length. The mean daily growth rate was 9.02 g for body mass, 9.64 mm for body size length, 10.66 mm for wing length and 2.35 mm for tarsus length. Significant differences were recorded in growth rates between nestlings in the same brood in relation to their hatching sequence. The last nestlings to hatch had lower growth rates for all measured parameters than their older siblings. French title: Ecologie de reproduction et croissance des jeunes du Héron crabier blanc Ardeola idae dans la colonie monospécique au Lac Sofia, partie nord de Madagascar L’étude de l’écologie de la reproduction du Héron crabier blanc Ardeola idae a été réalisée dans une colonie monospécifique, localisée au Lac Sofia dans la partie nord de Madagascar, durant deux saisons de reproduction consécutives (octobre 2017–avril 2018 et octobre 2018–avril 2019). Un total de 158 nids a fait l’objet de suivis durant les deux saisons d’étude. La période de reproduction de l’espèce étudiée a eu lieu entre novembre et avril. La construction des nids a commencé à la mi-novembre et a duré en moyenne 8.2 ± 2.5 jours (n = 158 nids). Tous les nids sont placés dans des  touffes de Papyrus Cyperus madagascariensis. La densité des nids est de 0.31 nid m−2 et 0.20 nid m−2 respectivement durant la première et deuxième saison d’étude. La période de ponte de la première couvée se situe entre novembre et janvier et une deuxième couvée a été enregistrée entre mi-janvier et mi-février. La taille de ponte a varié de 2 à 4, avec une moyenne de 2.9 ± 0.68 œufs (n = 158 nids). L’incubation commence dès la ponte du premier œuf et dure en moyenne 20.6 ± 0.9 jours (n = 158 nids, rang: 20–22 jours). Sur les 461 œufs pondus dans les 158 nids suivis, 399 (86.6%) ont éclos, et 326 (70.7%) de poussins éclos ont pris leur envol, soit un succès de reproduction de 2.06 jeunes nids−1. Les données obtenues à partir de 34 poussins échantillonnés ont montré une croissance rapide de tous les paramètres mesurés, à l’exception du tarse. Le taux moyen de croissance journalière des poussins est de 9.02 g pour le poids, 9.64 mm pour la longueur du corps, 10.66 mm pour la longueur de l’aile et 2.35 mm pour la longueur du tarse. Nos résultats ont également montré une différence significative entre les moyennes des taux de croissances des poussins d’une même couvée en relation avec leur rang d’éclosion. Les derniers poussins éclos présentent toujours un taux de croissance les plus faibles pour tous les paramètres considérées par rapport à leurs congénères plus âgés. Keywords: asynchronous hatching, breeding season, clutch size, endangered, reproductive succes

Nesting biology and food habits of the endangered Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri in the Mandrozo Protected Area, western Madagascar

We studied the nesting biology and food habits of the endangered and endemic Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri from July to November 2015 in the Mandrozo Protected Area, western Madagascar. Three nesting pairs were observed and their nests were constructed in a dense mat of reeds Phragmites mauritianus and averaged 56.7 ± 15.3 cm above the water (n = 3 nests). Nests were built by both adults and it took 3 d on average to complete a nest (n = 2 nests). Thirteen matings were observed and lasted 4.1 s on average (n = 2 pairs). Average clutch size was three eggs (n = 2 nests). Both sexes incubated; the incubation period was 15–17 d (n = 2 nests). Both male and female participated in brooding and feeding the young, which remained for 3 d in the nest and became independent of their parents at 45 d of age. Based on 194 identified food items, the Sakalava Rail’s diet was composed of invertebrates: spiders (53.1%), insects (32%), crustaceans (10.8%) and molluscs (4.1%). The home ranges of two radio-tagged individuals were 0.95 and 1.98 ha

Madagascar Fish Eagle productivity in the Tsimembo-Manambolomaty Protected Area and surrounding habitat of western Madagascar

We monitored the productivity of the critically endangered Madagascar Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vociferoides inside and outside of the Tsimembo-Manambolomaty Protected Area (T-M PA), western Madagascar from 2010 to 2015. We recorded 14 breeding pairs inside and 13 outside T-M PA. The T-M PA and surrounding habitat hosted respectively 10 and six breeding polyandrous pairs, composed of one adult female and two adult males. During the six-year study period, 101 eggs were laid in nests in T-M PA of which 60 hatched and 58 young fledged. We recorded 62 eggs laid in nests outside the T-M PA of which 39 hatched and 36 young fledged. Productivity was similar at both sites, inside and outside T-M PA, with 0.84 (58/69) and 0.76 (36/47) fledgling per nesting attempt and 0.69 (58/84) and 0.5 (36/72) fledglings per territorial pair, respectively. Polyandrous pairs have higher productivity compared with normal pairs. Threats to Madagascar Fish Eagles and their habitat were low due to the existence of a communitybased resource management system called the Local Management Secured System (GELOSE) inside and outside the T-M PA. This system is based on strengthening local traditional customs and rules, and involving local people in managing their natural resources sustainably along with biodiversity conservation

Traditional uses of the plants consumed by Propithecus deckenii (Peters, 1870) in Mandrozo Protected Area, western Madagascar

This study focused on the diet of Decken’s sifaka (Propithecus deckenii) and was carried out in Mandrozo Protected Area (MPA), in western Madagascar. The main objective was to identify the plants consumed by sifakas and their traditional uses by the local people within and surrounding MPA. For this purpose, we observed and recorded the feeding behavior of four groups of sifakas in two forest fragments (Andapabe and Ampiliravao), during two periods: from March to April 2018 for the wet season and from September to October 2020 for the dry season, using the Focal Animal Sampling method. Sifakas consumed 37 plant species belonging to 20 families and 31 genera and they ate mainly the plant leaves. We found that the sifaka’s diet is more diversified during wet season. We also interviewed 168 local persons from eight villages and recorded their ethnobotanical knowledge on the plant species eaten by sifakas. Local people utilized 70% (n=26) of the plant species eaten by sifakas. Five categories of human uses were recorded: house construction and tools for domestic use, phytotherapy, making of handicrafts, as food sources and traditional culture. Among these, the construction of houses and tools for domestic use and traditional medicine constitute the main mentioned human uses by the queried locals. For the indigenous people, three species of trees: Dalbergia humbertii, Tamarindus indica and Cedrelopsis grevei were used as part of their habits and customs