Alaotran Gentle Lemur Research Articles

Evaluating the Impact of Synthesised Scent Enrichment on Behavioural and Endocrine Responses in Captive Alaotran Gentle Lemurs (Hapalemur alaotrensis)

Evaluating the Impact of Synthesised Scent Enrichment on Behavioural and Endocrine Responses in Captive Alaotran Gentle Lemurs (Hapalemur alaotrensis)

Taenia martis in an Alaotran gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis): The importance of molecular identification

AbstractThe cestode Taenia martis is a common parasite affecting mustelids, with rodents serving as intermediate hosts. However, infections with the larval stage have seldomly been described in primates. This report describes a case in an Alaotran gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis) that died of chronic kidney disease, and in which Taenia cysticercosis was discovered at postmortem examination. Microscopic examination of the cysts attached to the mesentery and the inner side of the ribs, combined with the epidemiology of Taenia cysticercosis in France, pointed to Taenia crassiceps as the most probable aetiology. However, molecular identification, undertaken 3 years later during a global study on T. crassiceps in lemurs in France, identified the larval cestode as T. martis. This report is the first record of T. martis infection in an Alaotran gentle lemur and shows the importance of molecular identification in cysticercosis diagnosis.

Design and test of novel scent enrichments to enhance breeding of zoo-housed lemurs.

Zoos use environmental enrichments, including scents, which may have applications to improve breeding success for taxa, such as lemurs, which rely heavily on olfactory communication. We aimed to develop novel, biologically-relevant scent enrichments to trigger mating behaviours of zoo-housed lemur species, which are critically endangered in the wild and show a low success rate in captive breeding programmes. We examined anogenital odour secretions, released by female gentle ( Hapalemur alaotrensis) and ruffed ( Varecia variegata) lemurs, using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. We identified the key compounds distinguishing the volatile chemical profile of female lemurs during the breeding season and used them to develop species-specific scent enrichments. We then tested the scent enrichments, made up of synthesized mixtures conveying information about female lemur fertility, on unsuccessful breeding pairs of lemurs hosted in European zoos. We evaluated the effects of the newly designed scent enrichments on their target species by combining behavioural observations with faecal endocrinology. We identified and reproduced fertility-specific signals associated with female scents. These scent mixtures triggered male sexual behaviours, including mating, during and after the enrichment condition. We also found effects on faecal testosterone levels, with increased levels after the enrichment condition albeit not statistically significant. Our findings suggest that biologically-relevant scent enrichments may trigger natural species-specific behaviours, with potential implications for conservation breeding of zoo-based endangered lemur species, and highlight that combining more assessment methods may assist with evaluating the impact of environmental enrichments.

RENAL PATHOLOGY IN CAPTIVE ADULT ALAOTRAN GENTLE LEMURS (HAPALEMUR ALAOTRENSIS).

Full medical histories from captive Alaotran gentle lemurs or Bandro (Hapalemur alaotrensis) > 1 yr old that died between 1990 and 2016 were requested from holding institutions. Eighty-six individuals died during the period analyzed. Full postmortem reports were received from 40 (46.5%) animals from 16 different institutions across Europe (15) and North America (1). Eighteen animals (45%) showed azotemia within three months of death, with accompanying histological renal lesions. Another 17 (42.5%) showed histological renal lesions, but no renal function assessment was carried out antemortem, or results were within normal limits. Only five animals (12.5%) showed no renal lesions. Of the 35 (87.5%) animals with histological renal lesions, 18 were females, and 17 were males, 11 were wild caught, and 24 were captive born. Twenty-seven animals were euthanized, seven were found dead, and in one case, no details were provided. Sixty-four blood samples from 22 animals were available. Azotemia was observed on average 407 d antemortem, with a case observed as early as 2,318 d antemortem. Twenty-nine urinalyses from 12 animals were carried out antemortem. All animals showed hematuria or proteinuria in at least one antemortem sample. A pH decrease from 8.5 to 5.0 was observed in two animals antemortem. Gross renal lesions most frequently reported were irregular surface (n = 14), abnormal shape (n = 12), and/or presence of cysts (n = 9). The most common histological lesions were interstitial nephritis (n = 25), interstitial fibrosis (n = 26), tubule dilation (n = 16), and glomerulosclerosis (n = 12). Development of additional diagnostic tools, standardization of ante- and postmortem diagnostic protocols, and further investigation into potential etiologies, such as diets offered in captivity and genetic factors, should be considered as the next steps for the veterinary management of this species in captivity.

Anogenital scent-marking signals fertility in a captive female Alaotran gentle lemur

The Lake Alaotra gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis) is one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world and shows low success rate in captive breeding programmes. It is therefore vital to further understand its reproductive biology. We studied a captive troop consisting of five individuals hosted at Jersey Zoo during breeding and non-breeding periods over 1 year. We collected behavioural data (n = 318 h) using all occurrence of some behaviours and ad libitum sampling methods, as well as faecal (n = 54) and anogenital scent (n = 35) samples of the breeding female. We measured sex hormone levels using enzyme immunoassay technique and investigated the volatile component of odour signals using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We observed sexual and aggressive behaviours occasionally during the breeding period. Our regression analysis showed that only period significantly predicted rates of female anogenital scent-marking, whereby the female performed anogenital scent-marking more frequently during the breeding rather than the non-breeding period. In contrast, female hormone levels did not significantly explain variation in rates of neither male nor female olfactory, sexual and affiliative behaviours, suggesting that individuals' behaviour alone is not an effective indicator of the ovulation window. The volatile chemical profile of anogenital odour secretions changed over the study, with four compounds distinguishing the fertile window during the breeding period. In conclusion, our findings suggest that anogenital scent-marking may signal the reproductive status of captive female gentle lemurs.

Contact Matters: Local People’s Perceptions of Hapalemur alaotrensis and Implications for Conservation

Understanding factors that influence local community support for conservation projects is critical to their success. Perceptions of wildlife are particularly important in countries where people rely heavily on natural resources for their survival, as is the case in Madagascar. Renowned as one of the “hottest” regions for global biodiversity, Madagascar hosts an exceptional assemblage of lemurs. Yet little is known concerning the knowledge and perceptions of local people toward lemurs. The Lake Alaotra gentle lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and restricted to marsh habitat in the Lake Alaotra New Protected Area. Habitat destruction and hunting have brought the lemur to the brink of extinction. In this study we characterize local people’s knowledge, awareness, and perceptions of Hapalemur alaotrensis. We conducted an initial survey with 180 participants in 6 villages with varying distance to Park Bandro, a high-priority conservation zone. During a second survey, we interviewed 50 people in the village adjacent to the park. Our findings demonstrate that fishers are the most knowledgeable local resource users despite having the lowest education levels, and they also are the most concerned with the endemic lemur’s decline. There is a link between environmental awareness and distance in both a literal and figurative sense; the more often people encounter Hapalemur alaotrensis, the more they know about it, and the more likely they are to be concerned about its future. Our study further shows that despite this concern, subsistence is prioritized over conservation in the Alaotra region. Ecological knowledge in the fishers’ communities is a valuable resource that can benefit the conservation of Hapalemur alaotrensis and its marshland habitat if conservation planning and management can align the resource users’ concerns and livelihood needs with biodiversity values.

Local awareness and perceptions: consequences for conservation of marsh habitat at Lake Alaotra for one of the world's rarest lemurs

AbstractManagement and monitoring of community-based protected areas in Madagascar remain challenging because of a lack of financial, human and technical resources, and capacity. At Lake Alaotra, conversion of marshland for rice cultivation and a lack of effective habitat protection have pushed the locally endemic Alaotra gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis to the brink of extinction. The highest density of the species is found in the locally managed Park Bandro, a high-priority conservation zone within the Lake Alaotra New Protected Area. We evaluated local awareness and perceptions of Park Bandro, and discussed preferred management options with local communities. Two questionnaire surveys were carried out, one with 180 participants at six sites around the lake and marsh, and another with 50 participants in the village adjacent to Park Bandro. The majority of participants knew of the existence of Park Bandro but most did not know its purpose or size. Values and perceptions of local communities were influenced by occupation and distance to the Park, with fishers being most aware of the Park. We found that local people had a high level of environmental awareness and were willing to discuss zonation and alternative resource management strategies as long as these activities could provide a tangible livelihood benefit. Lack of awareness among local resource users regarding the purpose and status of protected areas such as Park Bandro is a challenge that needs to be addressed, and one that is relevant for environmental education and management of protected areas throughout Madagascar.

Turning a Problem Into Profit: Using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for Making Handicrafts at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar

In diverse ecosystems, invasive plant species represent a serious threat for nature conservation by leading to loss of native species as well as environmental degradation. The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) belongs to the top 10 worldwide most troublesome aquatic weeds. This study assesses the use of this invasive plant as a new source of raw material for handicrafts to substitute for the traditionally used papyrus (Cyperus madagascariensis) in the poor and remote region of Lake Alaotra in Madagascar. It has been recently observed that the current exploitation of papyrus in this region adds pressure on the receding Alaotra wetland and notably decreases habitat and food resources for the locally endemic and critically endangered lemur species Hapalemur alaotrensis. Within our research, water hyacinth handicrafts were produced by local artisans and compared with papyrus handicrafts regarding production path (collection, transportation, and processing of raw material) with a focus on financial costs, workload, and selling price. In addition, structured interviews were conducted with town-based handicraft retailers and potential customers to specify market expectations (quality, design, and marketing strategies). Our study revealed that despite the requirement for a longer time regarding raw material selection and drying (7 days vs 3 days) as well as additional financial costs (23% in addition) for ornaments, water hyacinth handicrafts displayed many advantages in comparison to papyrus handicrafts: (a) assembling water hyacinth handicrafts was easier and faster (33% less time investment), (b) led to robust products that were rated as being of acceptable to very good quality by 91% of the interviewees (c) and sold at three times (mean 2.25 US$) the sale prices of the traditional papyrus handicrafts (mean 0.75 US$). The use of water hyacinth has therefore the potential to increase local household incomes, open up new markets, and attenuate the pressure on the Alaotra wetland biodiversity by reducing the use of papyrus. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis combined with research findings on rural handicrafts was drafted to identify four main steps for promoting the market establishment of water hyacinth handicrafts at Lake Alaotra: creation of artisans’ clusters and networks, improvement of managerial and marketing competence, access to finance and exploration of markets possibilities. This research can provide insights for other small rural handicraft enterprises in developing countries facing problem with water hyacinth throughout the world.

Ten years into the marshes – <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 “wicked” 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. RESUME Les problemes de gestion des ressources naturelles impliquent generalement une multitude d’intervenants avec divers ensembles de besoins et d’interets, et souvent, les visions du monde contradictoires dans un environnement avec une incertitude croissante. Ces problemes sont appeles problemes sournois, ‘wicked problems’ en anglais, ou il n’y 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 negatif sur la biodiversite des zones humides, et en particulier sur l’Alaotra lemurien douce ( Hapalemur alaotrensis ) limitee a ces marais. La survie de l’espece est tres incertaine en raison de l’augmentation de la perte d’habitat causee principalement par les feux de marais. Les travaux de conservation pour ce lemurien unique sont complexes et compliques, et necessitent l’implication et la collaboration sur la prise de decision des institutions, des ONG, des universites et des communautes riveraines. Cela implique que toutes les parties, depuis la creation de projets a leur phase de mise en œuvre, partagent un terrain d’entente avec les avantages clairement definis de pouvoir de decision, les responsabilites et la transparence dans la communication. Madagascar Wildlife Conservation a travaille sur le lac depuis plus de dix ans, y compris l’education environnementale, l'ecotourisme et les moyens de subsistance alternatifs dans le plan d’action. Cet article met en evidence l’approche adoptee et examine ses defis.

Monitoring and conservation of the Critically Endangered Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis

The Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis is a Critically Endangered lemur, which exclusively inhabits the marshes around Lac Alaotra in northeast Madagascar. In the past decades the population of H. alaotrensis has experienced a dramatic decline due to poaching, habitat destruction and degradation. Surveys have been carried out periodically to follow the status of the population. Here we present the results of a survey carried out between May and June 2008 in the southwestern part of the marshes around Alaotra and discuss the key findings derived from the analysis of the data collected. Our study indicates that the probability of detecting the species in an area where it is present is very low and depends on factors that vary in space and time. These results stress the need to account for imperfect detection when monitoring this species, an issue especially relevant when reporting population trends. Our analyses also show that habitat fragmentation is a key determinant of habitat suitability for H. alaotrensis, with fragmented areas of marsh showing low suitability. Finally, our observations and analysis suggest that the protection provided by the local community to H. alaotrensis in Andreba is contributing to the conservation of this Critically Endangered species. This highlights the need to continue working on engaging the local communities in the conservation of the marshes at Lac Alaotra as a critical element to secure the future of H. alaotrensis. KEYWORDS: bandro, habitat suitability, habitat fragmentation, imperfect detection, Maxent.

Coping with low-quality diets: a first account of the feeding ecology of the southern gentle lemur, Hapalemur meridionalis, in the Mandena littoral forest, southeast Madagascar

Malagasy primates of the genus Hapalemur are exceptional in their exhibition of specialisations allowing for a folivorous diet despite their small body size. Members of this group are well known for their preference for specific parts of woody bamboo, the primary food resource throughout much of their range. The southern gentle lemur (H. meridionalis), however, inhabits littoral forests that contain little or no woody bamboo. Similar to its closely related congener, the Alaotran gentle lemur (H. alaotrensis), the question is raised as to how these lemurs subsist in this ecological context. The aim of this study was to gain an initial understanding of the ecological niche of the southern gentle lemur in the threatened ecosystem of the littoral forest of southeastern Madagascar. Lemurs were habituated and observed over a 3-month period during the austral winter, allowing for collection of both continuous and instantaneous focal data on their feeding ecology. Preferred food species were identified and collected, and biochemical analyses determined macronutrient and secondary compound values for consumed food items. The diet of the southern gentle lemur was found to be of low nutritional quality, as evaluated through the low protein-to-fibre ratio, especially when compared with other folivores. This lemur is also unique in spending a majority of its time grazing on terrestrial grasses (family Poaceae) during the resource-poor winter months. Our data indicate that Hapalemur spp. possess a behavioural flexibility, and possibly, digestive abilities, higher than previously thought for an animal of its small body size.

Satellite imagery as a single source of predictor variables for habitat suitability modelling: how Landsat can inform the conservation of a critically endangered lemur

Summary 1. Statistical modelling of habitat suitability is an important tool for planning conservation interventions, particularly for areas where species distribution data are expensive or hard to collect. Sometimes however the predictor variables typically used in habitat suitability modelling are themselves difficult to obtain or not meaningful at the geographical extent of the study, as is the case for the Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis, a critically endangered lemur confined to the marshes of Lake Alaotra in Madagascar. 2. We developed a habitat suitability model where all predictor variables, including vegetation indices and image texture measures at different scales (as surrogates for habitat structure), were derived from Landsat7 satellite imagery. Using relatively few presence records, the maximum entropy (Maxent) approach and AUC were used to assess the performance of candidate predictor variables, for studying the effect of scale, model selection and mapping suitable habitat. 3. This study demonstrated the utility of satellite imagery as a single source of predictor variables for a Maxent habitat suitability model at the landscape level, within a restricted geographical extent and with a fine grain, in a case where predictor variables typically used at the macro‐scale level (e.g. climatic and topographic) were not applicable. 4. In the case of H. alaotrensis, the methodology generated a habitat suitability map to inform conservation management in Lake Alaotra and a replicable protocol to allow rapid updates to habitat suitability maps in the future. The exploration of candidate predictor variables allowed the identification of scales that appear ecologically relevant for the species. 5. Synthesis and applications. This study presents a cost‐effective combination of maximum entropy habitat suitability modelling and satellite imagery, where all predictor variables are derived solely from Landsat7 images. With a habitat modelling method like Maxent that shows good performance with few presence samples and Landsat images now freely available, the methodology can play an important role in rapid assessments of the status of species at the landscape level in data‐poor regions, when typical macro‐scale environmental predictors are of little use or difficult to obtain.

Using occupancy as a state variable for monitoring the Critically Endangered Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis

Although monitoring is an essential tool for biodiversity conservation, monitoring pro- grammes are often poorly designed and thus unlikely to produce results that are meaningful for man- agement. Monitoring is especially challenging when dealing with rare and elusive species in areas where conservation resources are particularly limited. In such cases, monitoring techniques aimed at estimating occupancy represent an attractive alternative to traditional methods concerned with esti- mating population size, as the collection of detection/non-detection data is in general less costly and easier to implement. In this study, we evaluated the use of occupancy as a state variable for the mon- itoring of the Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis, a Critically Endangered primate exclu- sively inhabiting the dense marshes around Lake Alaotra in Madagascar. We used a likelihood-based modelling approach that explicitly accounts for detectability. This showed that the probability of detection of H. alaotrensis was extremely low and depended on site characteristics that can vary in space and time, confirming the need to account for imperfect detection when monitoring this species. We used our models to explore factors affecting the probability of occupancy and detection to iden- tify management implications, and also developed recommendations for the ongoing monitoring of this species. The method applied in this study provides an efficient tool for the monitoring of an elu- sive species and has the potential to provide a flexible sampling framework for local community- based monitoring initiatives.

The Alaotra gentle lemur: Population estimation and subsequent implications

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) has conducted since 1994 several census’ on the population of the Alaotran gentle lemur to observe the development of the population in time and space.

Burning to fish: local explanations for wetland burning in Lac Alaotra, Madagascar

Lac Alaotra is Madagascar's largest lake and a recognized wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It supports several Critically Endangered species, including the Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur alaotrensis. A principal threat facing the remaining Alaotran wetland is anthropogenic burning of the vegetation during the dry season; a practice now officially banned. A number of reasons have been given to explain this but to date no attempt has been made to investigate the principal motivations for the burning. We present the results of semi-structured interviews (n = 27) and questionnaires (n = 122) in a lakeside town. Seventy-eight percent of interviewees stated wetland burning was performed only or mainly to gather an introduced fish, the Asian snakehead Channa maculata, which buries into the underlying substrate during the dry season. Sixty-eight percent of questionnaire respondents provided a similar explanation. These data provide valuable insights into the reasons for the ongoing burning and should inform the management actions that are required to protect this globally important wetland.

Short Communication on the Alaotra gentle lemur: Population estimation and subsequent implications

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) has conducted since 1994 several census’ on the population of the Alaotran gentle lemur to observe the development of the population in time and space.

Feeding enrichment by self‐operated food boxes for white‐fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus albifrons) in the Masoala exhibit of the Zurich Zoo

AbstractIn the new Masoala exhibit of the Zurich Zoo four self‐operated food boxes were installed to encourage arboreal behavior and higher activity levels, and to increase the attractiveness to visitors of a group of three white‐fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus albifrons) and one Alaotran gentle lemur (Hapalemur griseus alaotrensis). Data obtained by direct observations with and without food boxes present were compared. In addition, visitors were surveyed to investigate attractiveness of the lemurs. Overall activity and locomotor behavior increased due to food box presentation. Furthermore, the visitor survey documented that the lemurs were spotted more often in trees when the food boxes were present. Because behavior patterns of the subjects approached natural levels with food boxes, the presentation of self‐operated food boxes seems a valuable tool to improve the captive environment of lemurs. Zoo Biol 0:1–10, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Alaotran gentle lemur: Some aspects of its behavioral ecology

Alaotran gentle lemur: Some aspects of its behavioral ecology

Genetic variability and phylogeography in the wild Alaotran gentle lemur population

Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and ReviewsVolume 11, Issue S1 p. 175-179 Research Article Genetic variability and phylogeography in the wild Alaotran gentle lemur population Caroline M. Nievergelt, Caroline M. Nievergelt [email protected] Caroline M. Nievergelt, and David S. Woodruff, Department of Biology, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603. Caroline M. Nievergelt is also at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, UK.Search for more papers by this authorJennifer Pastorini, Jennifer Pastorini Jennifer Pastorini is at the Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.Search for more papers by this authorDavid S. Woodruff, David S. Woodruff Caroline M. Nievergelt, and David S. Woodruff, Department of Biology, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603.Search for more papers by this author Caroline M. Nievergelt, Caroline M. Nievergelt [email protected] Caroline M. Nievergelt, and David S. Woodruff, Department of Biology, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603. Caroline M. Nievergelt is also at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, UK.Search for more papers by this authorJennifer Pastorini, Jennifer Pastorini Jennifer Pastorini is at the Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.Search for more papers by this authorDavid S. Woodruff, David S. Woodruff Caroline M. Nievergelt, and David S. Woodruff, Department of Biology, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603.Search for more papers by this author First published: 07 January 2003 https://doi.org/10.1002/evan.10085Citations: 2 Caroline M. Nievergelt is also at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey, UK. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Citing Literature Volume11, IssueS12002Pages 175-179 RelatedInformation

Female Dominance and Social Structure in Alaotran Gentle Lemurs

AbstractLemur social systems have the striking social feature, that adult females consistently evoke submissive behaviour of adult males. In the Alaotran gentle lemur, Hapalemur griseus alaotrensis, however, female dominance has not been studied yet. Here we confirm female dominance over males on the basis of a 5-month field study of the social behaviour of four groups, in the Lake Alaotra marshland of eastern Madagascar. Further, we found that dominant individuals initiated aggressive interactions significantly more often than lowerranking ones, they initiated group movements more often and higher-ranking individuals were groomed more often. The spatial configuration was remarkable, since individuals were closer in space to those more distant in rank.