Lepilemur Mustelinus Research Articles

Testing the reliability of the rearticulation of osteological primate pelves in comparative morphological studies.

The evolution of human pelvic form is primarily studied using disarticulated osteological material of living and fossil primates that need rearticulation to approximate anatomical position. To test whether this technique introduces errors that impact biological signals, virtual rearticulations of the pelvis in anatomical position from computed tomography scans were compared with rearticulated models from the same individuals for one female and one male of Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Macaca mulatta, Lepilemur mustelinus, Galago senegalensis, and Nycticebus pygmaeus. "Cadaveric" pelvic bones were first analyzed in anatomical position, then the three bones were segmented individually, intentionally scattered, and "rearticulated" to test for rearticulation error. Three-dimensional landmarks and linear measurements were used to characterize the overall pelvis shape. Cadaveric and rearticulated pelves were not identical, but inter-specific and intra-specific shape differences were higher than the landmarking error in the cadaveric individuals and the landmarking/rearticulation error in the rearticulated pelves, demonstrating that the biological signal is stronger than the noise introduced by landmarking and rearticulation. The rearticulation process, however, underestimates the medio-lateral pelvic measurements in species with a substantial pubic gap (e.g., G. senegalensis, N. pygmaeus) possibly because the greater contribution of soft tissue to the pelvic girdle introduces higher uncertainty during rearticulation. Nevertheless, this discrepancy affects only the caudal-most part of the pelvis. This study demonstrates that the rearticulation of pelvic bones does not substantially affect the biological signal in comparative 3D morphological studies but suggests that anatomically connected pelves of species with wide pubic gaps should be preferentially included in these studies.

Evolutionary and phylogenetic insights from a nuclear genome sequence of the extinct, giant, “subfossil” koala lemur Megaladapis edwardsi

No endemic Madagascar animal with body mass >10 kg survived a relatively recent wave of extinction on the island. From morphological and isotopic analyses of skeletal "subfossil" remains we can reconstruct some of the biology and behavioral ecology of giant lemurs (primates; up to ∼160 kg) and other extraordinary Malagasy megafauna that survived into the past millennium. Yet, much about the evolutionary biology of these now-extinct species remains unknown, along with persistent phylogenetic uncertainty in some cases. Thankfully, despite the challenges of DNA preservation in tropical and subtropical environments, technical advances have enabled the recovery of ancient DNA from some Malagasy subfossil specimens. Here, we present a nuclear genome sequence (∼2× coverage) for one of the largest extinct lemurs, the koala lemur Megaladapis edwardsi (∼85 kg). To support the testing of key phylogenetic and evolutionary hypotheses, we also generated high-coverage nuclear genomes for two extant lemurs, Eulemur rufifrons and Lepilemur mustelinus, and we aligned these sequences with previously published genomes for three other extant lemurs and 47 nonlemur vertebrates. Our phylogenetic results confirm that Megaladapis is most closely related to the extant Lemuridae (typified in our analysis by E. rufifrons) to the exclusion of L. mustelinus, which contradicts morphology-based phylogenies. Our evolutionary analyses identified significant convergent evolution between M. edwardsi and an extant folivore (a colobine monkey) and an herbivore (horse) in genes encoding proteins that function in plant toxin biodegradation and nutrient absorption. These results suggest that koala lemurs were highly adapted to a leaf-based diet, which may also explain their convergent craniodental morphology with the small-bodied folivore Lepilemur.

Virus discovery reveals frequent infection by diverse novel members of the Flaviviridae in wild lemurs.

Lemurs are highly endangered mammals inhabiting the forests of Madagascar. In this study, we performed virus discovery on serum samples collected from 84 wild lemurs and identified viral sequence fragments from 4 novel viruses within the family Flaviviridae, including members of the genera Hepacivirus and Pegivirus. The sifaka hepacivirus (SifHV, two genotypes) and pegivirus (SifPgV, two genotypes) were discovered in the diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema), while other pegiviral fragments were detected in samples from the indri (Indri indri, IndPgV) and the weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus, LepPgV). Although data are preliminary, each viral species appeared host species-specific and frequent infection was detected (18 of 84 individuals were positive for at least one virus). The complete coding sequence and partial 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) were obtained for SifHV and its genomic organization was consistent with that of other hepaciviruses, with one unique polyprotein and highly structured UTRs. Phylogenetic analyses showed the SifHV belonged to a clade that includes several viral species identified in rodents from Asia and North America, while SifPgV and IndPgV were more closely related to pegiviral species A and C, that include viruses found in humans as well as New- and Old-World monkeys. Our results support the current proposed model of virus-host co-divergence with frequent occurrence of cross-species transmission for these genera and highlight how the discovery of more members of the Flaviviridae can help clarify the ecology and evolutionary history of these viruses. Furthermore, this knowledge is important for conservation and captive management of lemurs.

BASELINE HEALTH AND NUTRITION EVALUATION OF TWO SYMPATRIC NOCTURNAL LEMUR SPECIES (AVAHI LANIGER AND LEPILEMUR MUSTELINUS) RESIDING NEAR AN ACTIVE MINE SITE AT AMBATOVY, MADAGASCAR.

Extractive industries can have significant impacts on ecosystems through loss of habitat, degradation of water quality, and direct impact on floral and faunal biodiversity. When operations are located in sensitive regions with high biodiversity containing endangered or threatened species, it is possible to minimize impact on the environment by developing programs to scientifically monitor the impact on resident flora and fauna species in the early phases of operation so that effects can be mitigated whenever possible. This report presents the baseline health, nutrition, and trace mineral evaluation for 33 Avahi laniger (Eastern wooly lemur) and 15 Lepilemur mustelinus (greater sportive lemur) captured and given complete health evaluations that included the measurement of fat-soluble vitamins and trace minerals in addition to routine complete blood counts, serum chemistries, and parasite evaluations. All lemurs appeared healthy on physical examination despite the presence of minor wounds consistent with interspecies aggression in some individuals. Serum chemistry values were within expected ranges for other lemur species; however, A. laniger erythrocytes were significantly smaller than those of L. mustelinus. Serum nickel values were markedly higher than expected in both species, and selenium, copper, and cobalt levels were higher in L. mustelinus compared with A. laniger at the study site, as well as values for I. indri or P. diadema reported from other locations. Endoparasites and ectoparasites were typical of those reported in other wild lemur species, but load and diversity varied between A. laniger and L. mustelinus despite inhabiting the same forest ecosystem. This baseline assessment provides the foundation for ongoing monitoring.

Sleeping site ecology in a rain‐forest dwelling nocturnal lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus): implications for sociality and conservation

Suitable sleeping sites as potentially restricted resources are suggested to shape sociality in primates. We investigated sleeping site ecology of a rain-forest dwelling sportive lemur in eastern Madagascar for the first time. Using radiotelemetry, we characterized the type, quality and usage of sleeping sites as well as social sleeping habits of 11 focal individuals of the weasel sportive lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus) during the dry and the onset of the rainy season. Morphometric measurements provided additional information. The sexes showed an unusual sexual dimorphism for primates. Males and females did not differ in body length, but females surpassed males in body mass suggesting female dominance. Both sexes used dense vegetation and holes in hollow trees high above the ground as shelters for sleeping during the day. No sex difference in the quality of tree holes was found, but focal individuals used tree holes more often than open sleeping sites in dense vegetation. Both sexes showed high sleeping site fidelity limited to two to six different sites that they used primarily solitarily. The results imply that suitable sleeping sites are limited and survival of this species will strongly depend on the availability of mature rain forests with suitable hollow trees. Furthermore, these findings provide evidence of a solitary sleeping and ranging system in this rain-forest dwelling sportive lemur with suitable sleeping sites as defendable resources.

Spatial Variations in Eulemur fulvus rufus and Lepilemur mustelinus Densities in Madagascar

I present data on variations in Eulemur fulvus rufus and Lepilemur mustelinus densities as well as tree characteristics (height, diameter and stem frequency) between edge and interior forest habitats in southeastern Madagascar. Line transect surveys were conducted from June 2003 to November 2005 in edge and interior forest habitats in the Vohibola III Classified Forest. Although E. f. rufus densities were significantly lower in edge habitats than in interior habitats, density estimates for L. mustelinus did not differ significantly between habitats. Trees in edge habitats were significantly shorter, had smaller diameters and had lower stem frequencies (for those >25 cm in diameter) than trees in interior habitats. Spatial characteristics of food abundance and quality may explain lemur density patterns in Vohibola III. Low E. f. rufus densities may reduce seed dispersal in edge habitats, which has important consequences for the long-term viability of forest ecosystems in Madagascar.

Ecological Correlates to Lemur Community Structure in Southeast Madagascar

The Fandriana-Marolambo forest corridor is one of the largest (ca. 250,000 ha) and least explored tracts of unprotected forest in southeast Madagascar. Although published range maps show continuous distributions for many lemurs throughout the region, there are few data on lemur community structure in the corridor. We aimed to determine lemur community structure, with its ecological correlates (altitude, agriculture, selective logging, and hunting), in the Fandriana-Marolambo forest corridor. We surveyed 7 sites and sighted 4 nocturnal taxa (Avahi laniger, Cheirogaleus major, Lepilemur mustelinus, and Microcebus rufus) and 6 diurnal taxa (Eulemur rubriventer, E. fulvus rufus, E. f. fulvus, Propithecus diadema edwardsi, Hapalemur griseus griseus, and Varecia variegata variegata). Composition of the lemur community was broadly similar to that of nearby protected areas (Ranomafana and Mantadia National Parks). However, we sighted no Hapalemur aureus, H. simus, or Indri indri, and observed Propithecus diadema edwardsi and Varecia variegata variegata at only 1 site each. We sighted an apparent hybrid form of Eulemur fulvus fulvus and E. f. rufus that may represent a new hybrid zone for lemurs. After testing for spatial autocorrelation, lemur diversity correlates negatively with altitude and agricultural intensity. Though the Government of Madagascar is assessing the corridor as a new national park, we suggest conservation plans for local lemurs are complicated by population isolation and lack of data on minimum viable size of the proposed protected area.

Genetic Diversity of Lepilemur mustelinus ruficaudatus, a Nocturnal Lemur of Madagascar

The genetic polymorphism of natural populations of Lepilemur mustelinus ruficaudatus was studied by protein electrophoresis. We sampled blood from 72 individuals from four populations separated by geographic or anthropogenic barriers from southwestern Madagascar. Six out of 22 enzyme loci showed genetic variation with a degree of polymorphism of 0.273. The expected and observed degree of genetic heterozygosity over all loci is similar to that of other primates (He = 0.058, Ho = 0.036). The F‐statistics revealed that the four subpopulations were similar with respect to gene structure (FST = 0.065, p = 0.016), but the genotypic structures within subpopulations were inconsistent with random mating. For the total of the four subpopulations the proportion of heterozygous individuals was significantly smaller than expected under random mating (FIS = 0.373, FIT = 0.414, p < 0.01). These results correspond closely to what is expected considering the low migration ability of individuals of L. m ruficaudatus leading to small and rather isolated inbred populations.

A possible role of plantations for primate conservation in Madagascar.

The utilization of eucalyptus plantations by seven sympatric species of prosimians was studied in the eastern rainforest of Madagascar. The species were Avahi laniger, Cheirogaleus major, Hapalemur griseus, Indri indri, Lemur fulvus, Lepilemur mustelinus, and Microcebus rufus. None of the lemurs was ever found in young eucalyptus plantations with little undergrowth. This was mainly due to the lack of travel opportunities within the shrub layer and between the shrubs and the canopy. Food (mainly berries) is seasonally available in the shrub layer but cannot be exploited because frugivorous lemurs cannot reach it. Old eucalyptus plantations with dense undergrowth are used by all prosimian species. They provide food as well as travel and resting facilities. Mixed tree plantations in the western part of Madagascar were used by groups of Lemur fulvus, Lepilemur mustelinus, and Propithecus verreauxi. According to these results, old eucalyptus plantations and mixed tree species plantations could be used to provide firewood and construction wood for the human population. They also might extend the habitat for lemurs and serve as buffers against human disturbance.

Chromosome studies of the lepilemur, an endemic Malagasy genus of lemurs: Contribution of the cytogenetics to their taxonomy

The cytogenetical study of 59 lepilemurs caught in different areas of Madagascar revealed the existence of 9 different karyotypes. Satellites on one autosomal pair in each karyotype provide a marker for the genus. The cytogenetical differences between the various forms allowed us to consider these as 6 separate species: Lepilemur ruficaudatus (2n=20, NF=38), Lepilemur rufescens (2n=22, NF=40), Lepilemur dorsalis (2n=26, NF=44), Lepilemur leucopus (2n=26, NF=44), Lepilemur mustelinus (2n=34, NF=40) and Lepilemur septentrionalis (NF=40). The latest species is comprised of 4 subspecies, the diploid numbers of which are: 38, 36, 36 and 34.

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.

: Lepilemur mustelinus (Lemuridae). Defensive Behavior . J. J. Petter.

American AnthropologistVolume 75, Issue 6 p. 1995-1995 Free Access Lepilemur mustelinus (Lemuridae). Defensive Behavior. By J. J. PETTER ALISON JOLLY, ALISON JOLLY School of Biological Sciences University of SussexSearch for more papers by this author ALISON JOLLY, ALISON JOLLY School of Biological Sciences University of SussexSearch for more papers by this author First published: December 1973 https://doi.org/10.1525/aa.1973.75.6.02a01550AboutPDF ToolsExport 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 Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume75, Issue6December 1973Pages 1995-1995 RelatedInformation

Chromosomes of lemuriformes. I. A chromosome complement of Lepilemur mustelinus (I. Geoffroy 1851).

AbstractThe diploid chromosome number of two specimens of Lepilemur mustelinus (I. Geoffroy 1851) is 2N = 20. All of the chromosomes, except the Y chromosome, are metacentric or submetacentric; the Y chromosome is acrocentric and is the shortest chromosome in the complement. Satellites on autosomal pair 5 provide marked chromosomes for the animals studied and may be a marked pair for the species.

Le Lépilémur du sud de Madagascar : Écologie, alimentation et vie sociale

This study represents a combination of observations on the biology of the nocturnal Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur mustelinus leucopus) living in the arid bush zone (characterised by the Family Didiereacae) of South Madagascar. Comparative data relating to nutrition, diurnal resting sites and population density in gallery forest of the same area are also presented. During its phase of nocturnal activity, this Lemur remains immobile for long periods of time, and the actual time spent in search of food is extremely limited. During daytime, it remains close to the orifice of its retreat, thus permitting constant surveillance (state of somnolence without deep sleep). The dietary regime, which is almost exclusively folivorous, represents an extreme case of specialisation within the Order Primates, as is demonstrated by quantitative analysis of the assimilable components of the diet. The digestive tract is specialised as an adaptation to this diet ; there are several peculiar features in the proportions between the different segments of the tract, in the histological structure of the mucosa and in the différenciation of the cæcum and the colon, which both possess villosities of a special type. A description is given of an organ situated at the ileo-colic junction, which is derived from a Peyer patch and which possibly plays an important part in the digestive sequence. In addition, Lepilemur exhibits reingestion of its faeces (cæcotrophy), thus presenting an apparently unique case among the Primates. This observation under natural conditions helps to explain how the animal is able to benefit from a small quantity of ingested matter which is extremely poor in directly assimilable matter. An attempt has been made to calculate the balance of energy-expenditure, and this reveals great economy in muscular expenditure relative to the total availability of energy. This ecological study was conducted during the critical period during which the availability of food (evaluated according to the mean area exploited by each individual animal) was passing a minimum. During this period, the ratio of available energy to energy consumed was 1,6 : 1 (a value quite close to those calculated by Smith, 1968 with respect to annual availability for a squirrel species in North America). Study of the social behaviour of Lepilemur was undertaken following capture, marking and release of all the individuals in a particular population. The individual territories whose limits were determined to within a matter of meters, are defended by males against other males or by females against other females. Each individual devotes the major part of the activity period to surveillance of adjacent individuals. Aggressive signals (postures and vocalisations) are predominantly associated with territorial defence. Even outside the period of reproductive activity, social relationships exist between males and females whose territories overlap. Social bonds were also identified between adult females and juvenile females ; territorial independence of the latter seems to develop progressively and relatively slowly. This type of social system is found in other nocturnal prosimians which have been studied, and it would appear to be a primitive character. An experiment conducted in the field permitted observation of rapid modifications in the territorial limits of males following the removal of one male. These modifications were associated with establishment of social links with the females whose territories coincided with that of the male eliminated in the experiment, even though this took place outside the period of reproductive activity.