Propithecus diadema Infant Survival is not Influenced by Yearly Rainfall or Mother's Dental Wear

Abstract

Primate teeth wear through time in response to their environment. This change in topography has potential to affect nutrients absorbed, reproductive success, and fitness. King et al. suggested that for Propithecus edwardsi older females with dental senescence are unable to process certain types of foods, leading to higher infant mortality rate during weaning in years with insufficient rain. This study tested this hypothesis in Propithecus diadema from Tsinjoarivo, Madagascar living in fragmented landscapes, and exhibiting changes in diet and group dynamics compared to those living in pristine forests. These rapid changes could have detrimental consequences on reproductive success, and could be further influenced by environmental fluctuations like rainfall.Infant deaths were compared to yearly rainfall totals and the mother's dental relief index, slope, and angularity. Compared to the King et al. study, rainfall totals averaged 1000 mm less at Tsinjoarivo, and dental wear was not as severe. At Tsinjoarivo, rainfall and dental wear did not appear to influence infant survival. This study indicates that the long‐term viability of Propithecus diadema at Tsinjoarivo is stable and positive. However, continued monitoring of this population is critical; while they may be able adapt to current habitat modifications, the continuation of forest destruction could still severely impact their viability.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.