Rapid Survey and Assessment of the Northern Sportive Lemur,Lepilemur septentrionalis, in Northern Madagascar

Abstract

The northern sportive lemur, Lepilemur septentrionalis, faces imminent danger of extinction, more so than any other lemur in Madagascar. The population estimates for this sportive lemur remain unknown because of habitat loss and ongoing human encroachment, but they are unlikely to number more than a few hundred individuals. We present the results of extensive surveys conducted in 2010, 2011 and 2012 of known habitat, the Sahafary and Analalava classified forests, and confirm the species designation of the sportive lemur observed in Montagne des Francais in 2007. Six L. septentrionalis individuals were examined in Sahafary in 2011, along with eight individuals during the 2010 and 2011 expeditions to Montagne des Francais. A July 2012 survey in extended forest fragments of Montagne des Francais identified another 10 individuals. Surveys of the Analalava forest in 2011 detected no northern sportive lemurs, despite documenting their presence in 2005. One individual was recorded in the July 2012 survey. Although the morphological data of the sportive lemurs at Montagne des Francais was comparable to that of Sahafary, the sportive lemur at Montagne des Francais was subsequently verified as L. septentrionalis with mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequence data analyses. The confirmation of the northern sportive lemur at Montagne des Francais is significant since it establishes additional habitat for this species. However, sustained human encroachment from Antsiranana continues to finance the production of charcoal and collection of sand; activities that are threatening this population. Habitat loss and hunting continue to be the principal threats to the long-term survival of the northern sportive lemur. With only 19 known individuals, we urge immediate conservation action for this Critically Endangered species.