Lemur Mongoz Research Articles

Observations on reproduction, hormones, copulatory behavior, and neonatal mortality in captive Lemur mongoz (Mongoose lemur)

AbstractThis study examines correlates of reproduction in Lemur mongoz, an endangered prosimian primate with a history of poor captive reproduction. Male testicular growth and regression were quantified via testicular indices (TI). Although TIs could be used to predict male breeding condition, they were not indicators of ability to sire offspring. Serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) concentrations, along with vaginal cytology, were used to monitor female reproductive cyclicity. E2 and P profiles showed no abnormalities. An elevation of E2 with low P, approximately one estrous cycle length (31.4 days) prior to the onset of fertile cycles, was consistent with the phenomenon of ‘pseudoestrus’ observed in other lemur species. The copulatory pattern, consisting of thrusting, multiple intromissions, single or multiple ejaculations, and no copulatory lock, was more complex than expected for an animal with a supposedly monogamous mating system. The preference for natural arboreal substrata during copulation suggests that enclosure furnishings may influence copulatory behavior. A 30% neonatal mortality rate tempered recent success in breeding L. mongoz at the Duke University Primate Center (DUPC). Although infant sex and parity of the mother were not predictive of neonatal mortality, mother's natal status was, with captive‐born females having a 67% infant mortality rate, compared with 15% in wild‐caught females. Based on these observations, a number of factors, including housing, behavior, and photoperiod, may be relevant to successful captive propagation of L. mongoz. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Animal behavior and the captive management of wild mammals: A personal view

AbstractBehaviorists can undertake noninvasive studies of zoo animals using only the simplest of research tools, unlike those biologists who are concerned with functions below the level of the whole, living organism. With careful interpretation, the results of behavioral studies can be applied to improve the management, husbandry, and exhibition of wild mammals in captivity. This often involves comparisons with research results obtained from studies of animals in the wild, since the behavior of captive specimens may in some measure be altered. Examples are given involving the breeding biology or social organization of three species: (1) barasingha or swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli), (2) mongoose lemur (Lemur mongoz), and (3) drill (Papio leucophaeus). Suggestions are made to improve the allocation of time and resources for research by zoo personnel, including a greater reliance on cooperative efforts to solve problems of common interest.

Reproduction of the mongoose lemur (Lemur mongoz) in captivity

AbstractResponses to questionnaires sent to 20 institutions holding Lemur mongoz did not reveal which aspects of management or husbandry could account for reproductive failure in the captive population, but allowed some qualitative comparisons with data compiled for captive and wild animals. In general, reproduction has occurred initially among wild‐caught specimens before tapering off, and rarely occurs in the captive F1 generation. Data compiled by the International Species Inventory System and the International Zoo Yearbook revealed an aging captive population with no recent reproduction. No aspect of group composition, activity patterns, seasonal light regime, reproductive cycles, or diet could be linked to the lack of reproduction; and among lemurs subjected to the same conditions, some were known to reproduce while others did not. Lack of knowledge about this species and the threat of extinction for both captive and wild populations make an investigation of reproductive biology imperative. Recommendations for a research program are given.

Diurnal behavior of Lemur mongoz at Ampijoroa, Madagascar.

Lemur mongoz was observed for 28 h between February and July in Ampijoroa, northwestern Madagascar. The animals were diurnal, with peaks of activity in mid-morning and late afternoon. This finding contrasts with other reports that L. mongoz at the same site and somewhat later in the year are nocturnal. Group size was three or four. L. mongoz associated with L. fulvus during group progression and feeding and when giving alarm responses to man. Vocal signals consist of a range of intergrading grunts and shrieks; olfactory signals of apparent scent marking with the anogenital region, forehead, and palms of the hands; visual signals of mainly unritualized body movements and postures. All of these signals are quite similar to signals of L. fulvus.

A Comparative Study of Chromosomes in Seven Species of Lemurs, with Special Reference to Homology of G-banding Patterns

G-banded karyotypes are compared in Lemur mongoz, L. f. fulvus, L. catta, L. macaco, L. variegatus, Hapalemur griseus and Lepilemur mustelinus. The occurrence of remarkable homology of chromosome- and arm-pairs in the Lemur species suggests their close relationship. H. griseus is not far divergent from the Lemur species. L. mustelinus is of a distant relative to Lemur and Hapalemur.

Convergent Floral Evolution in South African and Australian Proteaceae and Its Possible Bearing on Pollination by Nonflying Mammals

Convergent Floral Evolution in South African and Australian Proteaceae and Its Possible Bearing on Pollination by Nonflying Mammals

Cycles of activity, group composition, and diet of Lemur mongoz mongoz Linnaeus 1766 in Madagascar.

A preliminary study of the ecology and behavior of Lemur mongoz mongoz was carried out in the northwest of Madagascar. The animals were observed for approximately 250 h in July till August, 1973, and for 50 h in June, 1974. L.m.mongoz has been reported to be diurnal and to live in groups of 6-8 individuals. However, we found the animals to be nocturnal and that groups contained an adult male, an adult female and their offspring (groups numbering from 2 to 4 individuals). L.m.mongoz is thus the only species of the genus Lemur studied to date that is active exclusively at night and that lives in family groups. L.m.mongoz was also found to have a very specialized diet. During our study, it was observed to feed on only five species of plant and mainly on the nectar-producing parts (flowers and nectaries) of four of these species. It spent most of its feeding time licking nectar from the flowers of the kapok tree, Ceiba pentandra, and is probably a major pollinator of this tree in Madagascar. In Africa and South and Central America, the kapok tree is usually bat-pollinated. A dietary preference for nectar, although common among bats, has not previously been observed in primates.

Tuberculosis in Lemur mongoz.

Tuberculosis in Lemur mongoz.

The Skin of Primates. XVII: Pharmacological Properties of the Sweat Gland of Lemur Mongoz

This study is a part of a program of research of the comparative morphology, physiology and pharmacology of the sweat glands of primates. These studies are together beginning to give us a new perspective of the phylogeny of these organs (1, 2, 3). The responses of the sweat glands of the hand of the Lemur mongoz to pharmacological stimulation are the subject of this report.