Genetic comparison between different populations of Eulemur macaco flavifrons in northwest Madagascar using RAPD markers

Abstract

Eulemur macaco flavifrons, the Sclater's black lemur, is a critically endangered subspecies of northwest Madagascar, which is not yet protected by any reserve. In order to study the feasibility of creating such a reserve, an area of outstanding biological importance was selected in the region of Maromandia-Sahamalaza, which is probably the only remaining place which would permit the long-term survival of the Sclater's black lemur. To determine if genetic management is needed for the Sahamalaza black lemur population, its genetic variability was estimated with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and compared with other populations. These comparisons demonstrate that the Sahamalaza black lemurs have a genetic variability equivalent to those in other areas. Thus, we conclude that no genetic management is required at the present time. Am. J. Primatol. 51:249–255, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.