15 research outputs found
Behavior and diet of the Critically Endangered Eulemur cinereiceps in Manombo forest, southeast Madagascar
Manombo Special Reserve is a parcel of rainforest along the
southeastern coast of Madagascar, containing eight lemur
species, including the White-collared brown lemur (Eulemur
cinereiceps [Eulemur albocollaris]). Following a drastic cyclone
in the region in January of 1997, the population of E. cinereiceps
at Manombo was reduced by half. Results indicate that
individuals of this critically endangered species at Manombo
consume a total of 54 plant species belonging to 24 families,
with over two - thirds of the diet comprised of ripe and unripe
fruits. White - collared brown lemurs also opportunistically feed
on novel food items and invasive plants in their recovering
habitat. We report the first record of E. cinereiceps consuming
a shelf fungus species growing on invasive trees. During feeding,
lemurs tore pieces of the fungus from the trees with their
hands and mouth (chewing cycle duration mean 0.28 s; SD 0.01). White - collared brown lemurs also consumed spicy fruits of a non - native plant species (Aframomum angustifolium) growing in highly disturbed open areas. Feeding bouts typically began by stripping away the outer covering with the anterior dentition, with pulp and seeds then consumed (chewing cycle duration mean 0.22 s; SD 0.005). This is the first record of consumption of either of these resources for any lemur species at Manombo. Ability to feed on items like A. angustifolium may permit E. cinereiceps to avoid competition with other species in this highly degraded forest environment
Les lémuriens du site Ramsar de Torotorofotsy
Les diffĂ©rentes ressources naturelles et potentialitĂ©s Ă©conomiques du marais de Torotorofotsy et de ses bassins versants justifient lâappellation de « Ramsar » du site. Ce dernier abrite plusieurs espĂšces menacĂ©es de disparition : des amphibiens (Mantella aurantiaca et M. crocea), des oiseaux (Anas melleri, Sarothrura watersi et Tyto soumagnei), des mammifĂšres carnivores (Cryptoprocta ferox) ainsi que des lĂ©muriens. La prĂ©sente Ă©tude stipule quâil y existe treize espĂšces de lĂ©muriens ; parmi ces espĂšces, six sont classĂ©es « En danger » (Prolemur simus, Indri indri, Propithecus diadema, Hapalemur griseus, Eulemur rubriventer, Daubentonia madagascariensis), une « Quasi menacĂ©e » (Eulemur fulvus), une « Non menacĂ©e » (Avahi laniger) et cinq «évaluĂ©es » (Allocebus trichotis, Cheirogaleus major, C. crossleyi, Microcebus lehilahytsara et Lepilemur mustelinus). Les potentialitĂ©s Ă©conomiques de cette localitĂ© (ressources forestiĂšres, terrains agricoles et ressources miniĂšres) incitent Ă lâimmigration dont on peut dĂ©jĂ voir des consĂ©quences sur une partie de Torotorofotsy et de ses bassins versants : exploitation forestiĂšre, transformation de la forĂȘt en tavy et altĂ©ration des marais en zones agricoles. Lâimplantation du projet dâextraction de nickel - cobalt dâAmbatovy Ă lâouest du site a menĂ© Ă la construction dâun pipeline traversant le marais, ce qui facilite lâaccĂšs au site mais amplifie la pression anthropique sur lâenvironnement et entraine la dĂ©gradation de cette biodiversitĂ© particuliĂšre Ă la rĂ©gion. Des Ă©tudes environnementales et socio - Ă©conomiques ont Ă©tĂ© effectuĂ©es pour rĂ©ajuster le plan de gestion et de conservation du site. Pour ce qui est des lĂ©muriens, les Ă©tudes de pression et de menaces basĂ©es sur la mĂ©thodologie du âThe Nature Conservancyâ et celle de âla Conservation du site Ramsarâ, focalise les efforts de conservation, pour ce site, sur six espĂšces Ă haut risque de disparition : Prolemur simus, Propithecus diadema, Indri indri, Eulemur rubriventer, Daubentonia madagascariensis et Allocebus trichotis.ABSTRACTThe Torotorofotsy wetlands Ramsar site is rich in natural resources and has great economic potential. Several threatened species, including amphibians (Mantella aurantiaca and M. crocea), birds (Anas melleri, Sarothrura watersi and Tyto soumagnei), carnivores (Cryptoprocta ferox) and lemurs distinguish the site. This study documents the presence of thirteen species of lemur, of which six are considered threatened (Prolemur simus, Hapalemur griseus, Eulemur rubriventer, Propithecus diadema, Indri indri and Daubentonia madagascariensis), one is classed Near Threatened (Eulemur fulvus), one Least Concern (Avahi laniger) and five Data Deficient (Allocebus trichotis, Cheirogaleus major, C. crossleyi, Microcebus lehilahytsara and Lepilemur mustelinus). The economic potential (forest resources, agricultural land and mineral resources) of the site has stimulated immigration to the area. As a result one part of Torotorofotsy has been subjected to forest exploitation, some areas of forest have been transformed by tavy and a large part of the wetlands has come under cultivation. The nickel and cobalt exploitation by the Ambatovy Project is located to the west of Torotorofotsy, thus one part of the pipeline runs through the marshland facilitating access to the site. The attraction and migration of human populations to the site generates pressures on the environment and subsequently accelerates the degradation of its biodiversity. Several studies based on the methodology of the âThe Nature Conservancyâ and âthe Conservation of Ramsar siteâ have been conducted in order to implement and revise the management plan of this site. At Torotorofotsy, lemur conservation efforts should be focused on the six species at higher risk: Prolemur simus, Propithecus diadema, Indri indri, Eulemur rubriventer, Daubentonia madagascariensis and Allocebus trichotis
Three flying fox (Pteropodidae: Pteropus rufus) roosts, three conservation challenges in southeastern Madagascar
We visited three roosts of the Madagascar flying fox Pteropus
rufus in December 2005 in the Anosy Region. Colony size was 900 at Berenty Private Reserve, 412 at Amborabao and 54 at Sainte Luce, based on single counts at each site. Hunting at the roost is prohibited at Berenty but P. rufus is trapped at night in the area surrounding the reserve, where it feeds on sisal. At Amborabao, the bats roost in a sacred forest and hunting is forbidden. At Sainte Luce, the forest is highly degraded and the bats are hunted frequently, despite efforts to engage the local community in forest conservation. Questionnaires with people living near the roosts revealed the flying foxes were regarded as pests of litchis in Amborabao and Sainte Luce. Berenty is the only site where tourists are able to observe roosting P. rufus. The role of sacred forests and local taboos (fady) is very relevant for P. rufus conservation
and might be the only practical mechanism in sites where
legislation on hunting and land use is not being enforced
Ten years into the marshes â Hapalemur alaotrensis conservation, one step forward and two steps back?
Natural resource management problems typically involve a multitude of stakeholders with diverse sets of needs and interests, and often conflicting worldviews in an environment with growing uncertainty. Such problems are termed âwickedâ problems, where there are no right or wrong solutions, only more or less acceptable ones. In the case of Lake Alaotra, growing agricultural pressures have a negative impact on the wetland biodiversity and especially on the Alaotra gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis) restricted to these marshlands. The species survival is highly uncertain because of increased habitat loss caused mainly by marshland fires. The conservation work for this unique lemur is complex and complicated and requires the involvement and collaboration of decision-making institutions, NGOs, universities and riverine communities. From the inception of projects to their implementation phase, all parties need clearly defined responsibilities and transparency in communication in order to run projects successfully. This article describes the approach that Madagascar Wildlife Conservation has been implementing during the past ten years at Lake Alaotra, discussing the plan of action and challenges for environmental education, ecotourism and alternative livelihoods. Les problĂšmes de gestion des ressources naturelles impliquent gĂ©nĂ©ralement une multitude dâintervenants avec divers ensembles de besoins et dâintĂ©rĂȘts, et souvent, les visions du monde contradictoires dans un environnement avec une incertitude croissante. Ces problĂšmes sont appelĂ©s problĂšmes sournois, âwicked problemsâ en anglais, oĂč il nây a pas de bonnes ou de mauvaises solutions, seules plus ou moins acceptables. Dans le cas du lac Alaotra, la croissance des pressions agricoles a un impact nĂ©gatif sur la biodiversitĂ© des zones humides, et en particulier sur lâAlaotra lĂ©murien douce (Hapalemur alaotrensis) limitĂ©e Ă ces marais. La survie de lâespĂšce est trĂšs incertaine en raison de lâaugmentation de la perte dâhabitat causĂ©e principalement par les feux de marais. Les travaux de conservation pour ce lĂ©murien unique sont complexes et compliquĂ©s, et nĂ©cessitent lâimplication et la collaboration sur la prise de dĂ©cision des institutions, des ONG, des universitĂ©s et des communautĂ©s riveraines. Cela implique que toutes les parties, depuis la crĂ©ation de projets Ă leur phase de mise en oeuvre, partagent un terrain dâentente avec les avantages clairement dĂ©finis de pouvoir de dĂ©cision, les responsabilitĂ©s et la transparence dans la communication. Madagascar Wildlife Conservation a travaillĂ© sur le lac depuis plus de dix ans, y compris lâĂ©ducation environnementale, l'Ă©cotourisme et les moyens de subsistance alternatifs dans le plan dâaction. Cet article met en Ă©vidence lâapproche adoptĂ©e et examine ses dĂ©fis
Influences des Pressions Anthropiques sur les LĂ©muriens dâAnantaka, dans la Partie Est du Plateau de Makira, Maroantsetra, Madagascar
LâĂ©quipe de Groupe dâEtude et de Recherche sur les Primates
de Madagascar (GERP), pour contribuer dans la protection, a
prospectĂ© et suivi 12 sites dans la forĂȘt de Makira dont Anantaka pendant les mois de septembre et octobre 2005 et 2006. A lâaide des lignes - inventaire, la densitĂ© relative de la population de lĂ©muriens a Ă©tĂ© obtenue par des observations directes tandis que les pressions humaines ont Ă©tĂ© inventoriĂ©es par lâĂ©valuation des surfaces dâincidence des activitĂ©s humaines. Des activitĂ©s anthropiques sur les lĂ©muriens ont Ă©tĂ© identifiĂ©es. Les influences de chaque type de pression sur les espĂšces de LĂ©muriens (trois diurnes strictes, une cathĂ©mĂ©rale et dix nocturnes) rĂ©pertoriĂ©es Ă travers 12 sites ont Ă©tĂ© analysĂ©es Ă partir du coefficient de corrĂ©lation R de Spearman entre chaque facteur menaçant par rapport Ă chaque effectif de lĂ©murien. Ainsi, dâune part, on a dĂ©duit que le site dâAnantaka, avec ses 14 espĂšces lĂ©muriennes, est le plus riche en espĂšces de lĂ©muriens. Et dâautre part, on a constatĂ© que plus le nombre de village est abondant et plus leur distance par rapport Ă la forĂȘt est rapprochĂ©e et que les impacts de pression sur lâĂ©cosystĂšme forestier augmente avec des activitĂ©s relatives comme la chasse, les coupes illicites, les dĂ©frichements de la forĂȘt primaire, les dĂ©frichements des forĂȘts secondaires et la transformation des forĂȘts en tavy ou en kijana (prairie) ainsi que les exploitations miniĂšres illicites. A part cette dĂ©gradation de la biodiversitĂ©, la dĂ©cadence de la moralitĂ© Ă la fois sur les notions du civisme et le concept du fady (tabou) en lâencontre des Aye aye par exemple, se trouve sur une situation bouleversante, puisque les gens ne considĂšrent plus ni les valeurs culturelles pour la conservation de la forĂȘt ni les lois rĂ©gissant la gestion forestiĂšre et les chasses des animaux sauvages. Ces critĂšres classifient le site dâAnantaka dans la cible focale de conservation du fait que la couverture forestiĂšre dâAnantaka prĂ©sente encore 75 % de forĂȘt, 25 % est transformĂ©e en savoka et en prairie. Câest ainsi que
lâindispensablement dâune prioritĂ© en matiĂšre de conservation
des lémuriens pour conserver la niche écologique exceptionnelle
dâAnantaka. La conservation de Makira serait optimale avec
lâintĂ©gration de la population riveraine du site dâAnantaka dans
la gestion rationnelle de leurs ressources naturelles et avec
lâintervention de lâĂ©ducation environnementale dans quelques
localitĂ©s dont les CommunautĂ©s de base (COBA) et avec lâappui technique Ă©manant des associations dans lâĂ©laboration dâun
plan de dĂ©veloppement touchant surtout lâagriculture et dâun
projet qui assurera la surveillance et le contrĂŽle du secteur par
des missions de suivi - Ă©valuation
Better Few than Hungry: Flexible Feeding Ecology of Collared Lemurs Eulemur collaris in Littoral Forest Fragments
Frugivorous primates are known to encounter many problems to cope with habitat degradation, due to the fluctuating spatial and temporal distribution of their food resources. Since lemur communities evolved strategies to deal with periods of food scarcity, these primates are expected to be naturally adapted to fluctuating ecological conditions and to tolerate a certain degree of habitat changes. However, behavioral and ecological strategies adopted by frugivorous lemurs to survive in secondary habitats have been little investigated. Here, we compared the behavioral ecology of collared lemurs (Eulemur collaris) in a degraded fragment of littoral forest of south-east Madagascar, Mandena, with that of their conspecifics in a more intact habitat, Sainte Luce.Lemur groups in Mandena and in Sainte Luce were censused in 2004/2007 and in 2000, respectively. Data were collected via instantaneous sampling on five lemur groups totaling 1,698 observation hours. The Shannon index was used to determine dietary diversity and nutritional analyses were conducted to assess food quality. All feeding trees were identified and measured, and ranging areas determined via the minimum convex polygon. In the degraded area lemurs were able to modify several aspects of their feeding strategies by decreasing group size and by increasing feeding time, ranging areas, and number of feeding trees. The above strategies were apparently able to counteract a clear reduction in both food quality and size of feeding trees.Our findings indicate that collared lemurs in littoral forest fragments modified their behavior to cope with the pressures of fluctuating resource availability. The observed flexibility is likely to be an adaptation to Malagasy rainforests, which are known to undergo periods of fruit scarcity and low productivity. These results should be carefully considered when relocating lemurs or when selecting suitable areas for their conservation
Les lémuriens du site Ramsar de Torotorofotsy
Les diffĂ©rentes ressources naturelles et potentialitĂ©s Ă©conomiques du marais de Torotorofotsy et de ses bassins versants justifient lâappellation de « Ramsar » du site. Ce dernier abrite plusieurs espĂšces menacĂ©es de disparition : des amphibiens (Mantella aurantiaca et M. crocea), des oiseaux (Anas melleri, Sarothrura watersi et Tyto soumagnei), des mammifĂšres carnivores (Cryptoprocta ferox) ainsi que des lĂ©muriens. La prĂ©sente Ă©tude stipule quâil y existe treize espĂšces de lĂ©muriens ; parmi ces espĂšces, six sont classĂ©es « En danger » (Prolemur simus, Indri indri, Propithecus diadema, Hapalemur griseus, Eulemur rubriventer, Daubentonia madagascariensis), une « Quasi menacĂ©e » (Eulemur fulvus), une « Non menacĂ©e » (Avahi laniger) et cinq «évaluĂ©es » (Allocebus trichotis, Cheirogaleus major, C. crossleyi, Microcebus lehilahytsara et Lepilemur mustelinus). Les potentialitĂ©s Ă©conomiques de cette localitĂ© (ressources forestiĂšres, terrains agricoles et ressources miniĂšres) incitent Ă lâimmigration dont on peut dĂ©jĂ voir des consĂ©quences sur une partie de Torotorofotsy et de ses bassins versants : exploitation forestiĂšre, transformation de la forĂȘt en tavy et altĂ©ration des marais en zones agricoles. Lâimplantation du projet dâextraction de nickel - cobalt dâAmbatovy Ă lâouest du site a menĂ© Ă la construction dâun pipeline traversant le marais, ce qui facilite lâaccĂšs au site mais amplifie la pression anthropique sur lâenvironnement et entraine la dĂ©gradation de cette biodiversitĂ© particuliĂšre Ă la rĂ©gion. Des Ă©tudes environnementales et socio - Ă©conomiques ont Ă©tĂ© effectuĂ©es pour rĂ©ajuster le plan de gestion et de conservation du site. Pour ce qui est des lĂ©muriens, les Ă©tudes de pression et de menaces basĂ©es sur la mĂ©thodologie du âThe Nature Conservancyâ et celle de âla Conservation du site Ramsarâ, focalise les efforts de conservation, pour ce site, sur six espĂšces Ă haut risque de disparition : Prolemur simus, Propithecus diadema, Indri indri, Eulemur rubriventer, Daubentonia madagascariensis et Allocebus trichotis.ABSTRACTThe Torotorofotsy wetlands Ramsar site is rich in natural resources and has great economic potential. Several threatened species, including amphibians (Mantella aurantiaca and M. crocea), birds (Anas melleri, Sarothrura watersi and Tyto soumagnei), carnivores (Cryptoprocta ferox) and lemurs distinguish the site. This study documents the presence of thirteen species of lemur, of which six are considered threatened (Prolemur simus, Hapalemur griseus, Eulemur rubriventer, Propithecus diadema, Indri indri and Daubentonia madagascariensis), one is classed Near Threatened (Eulemur fulvus), one Least Concern (Avahi laniger) and five Data Deficient (Allocebus trichotis, Cheirogaleus major, C. crossleyi, Microcebus lehilahytsara and Lepilemur mustelinus). The economic potential (forest resources, agricultural land and mineral resources) of the site has stimulated immigration to the area. As a result one part of Torotorofotsy has been subjected to forest exploitation, some areas of forest have been transformed by tavy and a large part of the wetlands has come under cultivation. The nickel and cobalt exploitation by the Ambatovy Project is located to the west of Torotorofotsy, thus one part of the pipeline runs through the marshland facilitating access to the site. The attraction and migration of human populations to the site generates pressures on the environment and subsequently accelerates the degradation of its biodiversity. Several studies based on the methodology of the âThe Nature Conservancyâ and âthe Conservation of Ramsar siteâ have been conducted in order to implement and revise the management plan of this site. At Torotorofotsy, lemur conservation efforts should be focused on the six species at higher risk: Prolemur simus, Propithecus diadema, Indri indri, Eulemur rubriventer, Daubentonia madagascariensis and Allocebus trichotis
Ten years into the marshes â <i>Hapalemur alaotrensis</i> conservation, one step forward and two steps back?
Natural resource management problems typically involve a multitude of stakeholders with diverse sets of needs and interests, and often conflicting worldviews in an environment with growing uncertainty. Such problems are termed âwickedâ problems, where there are no right or wrong solutions, only more or less acceptable ones. In the case of Lake Alaotra, growing agricultural pressures have a negative impact on the wetland biodiversity and especially on the Alaotra gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis) restricted to these marshlands. The species survival is highly uncertain because of increased habitat loss caused mainly by marshland fires. The conservation work for this unique lemur is complex and complicated and requires the involvement and collaboration of decision-making institutions, NGOs, universities and riverine communities. From the inception of projects to their implementation phase, all parties need clearly defined responsibilities and transparency in communication in order to run projects successfully. This article describes the approach that Madagascar Wildlife Conservation has been implementing during the past ten years at Lake Alaotra, discussing the plan of action and challenges for environmental education, ecotourism and alternative livelihoods. Les problĂšmes de gestion des ressources naturelles impliquent gĂ©nĂ©ralement une multitude dâintervenants avec divers ensembles de besoins et dâintĂ©rĂȘts, et souvent, les visions du monde contradictoires dans un environnement avec une incertitude croissante. Ces problĂšmes sont appelĂ©s problĂšmes sournois, âwicked problemsâ en anglais, oĂč il nây a pas de bonnes ou de mauvaises solutions, seules plus ou moins acceptables. Dans le cas du lac Alaotra, la croissance des pressions agricoles a un impact nĂ©gatif sur la biodiversitĂ© des zones humides, et en particulier sur lâAlaotra lĂ©murien douce (Hapalemur alaotrensis) limitĂ©e Ă ces marais. La survie de lâespĂšce est trĂšs incertaine en raison de lâaugmentation de la perte dâhabitat causĂ©e principalement par les feux de marais. Les travaux de conservation pour ce lĂ©murien unique sont complexes et compliquĂ©s, et nĂ©cessitent lâimplication et la collaboration sur la prise de dĂ©cision des institutions, des ONG, des universitĂ©s et des communautĂ©s riveraines. Cela implique que toutes les parties, depuis la crĂ©ation de projets Ă leur phase de mise en oeuvre, partagent un terrain dâentente avec les avantages clairement dĂ©finis de pouvoir de dĂ©cision, les responsabilitĂ©s et la transparence dans la communication. Madagascar Wildlife Conservation a travaillĂ© sur le lac depuis plus de dix ans, y compris lâĂ©ducation environnementale, l'Ă©cotourisme et les moyens de subsistance alternatifs dans le plan dâaction. Cet article met en Ă©vidence lâapproche adoptĂ©e et examine ses dĂ©fis