Showing papers by "University of Antananarivo published in 2007"

Applications of Ecological Niche Modeling for Species Delimitation: A Review and Empirical Evaluation Using Day Geckos (Phelsuma) from Madagascar

Abstract: Although the systematic utility of ecological niche modeling is generally well known (e.g., concerning the recognition and discovery of areas of endemism for biogeographic analyses), there has been little discussion of applications concerning species delimitation, and to date, no empirical evaluation has been conducted. However, ecological niche modeling can provide compelling evidence for allopatry between populations, and can also detect divergent ecological niches between candidate species. Here we present results for two taxonomically problematic groups of Phelsuma day geckos from Madagascar, where we integrate ecological niche modeling with mitochondrial DNA and morphological data to evaluate species limits. Despite relatively modest levels of genetic and morphological divergence, for both species groups we find divergent ecological niches between closely related species and parapatric ecological niche models. Niche models based on the new species limits provide a better fit to the known distribution than models based upon the combined (lumped) species limits. Based on these results, we elevate three subspecies of Phelsuma madagascariensis to species rank and describe a new species of Phelsuma from the P. dubia species group. Our phylogeny continues to support a major endemic radiation of Phelsuma in Madagascar, with dispersals to Pemba Island and the Mascarene Islands. We conclude that ecological niche modeling offers great potential for species delimitation, especially for taxonomic groups exhibiting low vagility and localized endemism and for groups with more poorly known distributions. In particular, niche modeling should be especially sensitive for detecting recent parapatric speciation driven by ecological divergence, when the environmental gradients driving speciation are represented within the ecological niche models.

Evidence for recent gene flow between north-eastern and south-eastern Madagascan poison frogs from a phylogeography of the Mantella cowani group.

Abstract: The genus Mantella, endemic poison frogs of Madagascar with 16 described species, are known in the field of international pet trade and entered under the CITES control for the last four years. The phylogeny and phylogeography of this genus have been recently subject of study for conservation purposes. Here we report on the studies of the phylogeography of the Mantella cowani group using a fragment of 453 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 195 individuals from 21 localities. This group is represented by five forms: M. cowani, a critically endangered species, a vulnerable species, M. haraldmeieri, and the non-threatened M. baroni, M. aff. baroni, and M. nigricans. The Bayesian phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses revealed the presence of three separated haplotype clades: (1) M. baroni, M. aff. baroni, M. nigricans, and putative hybrids of M. cowani and M. baroni, (2) M. cowani and putative hybrids of M. cowani and M. baroni, and (3) M. haraldmeieri. The putative hybrids were collected from sites where M. cowani and M. baroni live in sympatry. These results suggest (a) a probable hybridization between M. cowani and M. baroni, (b) a lack of genetic differentiation between M. baroni/M. aff. baroni and M. nigricans, (c) evidence of recent gene-flow between the northern (M. nigricans), eastern (M. baroni), and south-eastern (M. aff. baroni) forms of distinct coloration, and (d) the existence of at least three units for conservation in the Mantella cowani group.

Patterns of Loss and Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar: The Social Institutional Context

Abstract: Loss of tropical forests and changes in land-use/land-cover are of growing concern worldwide. Although knowledge exists about the institutional context in which tropical forest loss is embedded, little is known about the role of social institutions in influencing regeneration of tropical forests. In the present study we used Landsat images from southern Madagascar from three different years (1984, 1993 and 2000) and covering 5500 km2, and made a time-series analysis of three distinct large-scale patterns: 1) loss of forest cover, 2) increased forest cover, and 3) stable forest cover. Institutional characteristics underlying these three patterns were analyzed, testing the hypothesis that forest cover change is a function of strength and enforcement of local social institutions. The results showed a minor decrease of 7% total forest cover in the study area during the whole period 1984–2000, but an overall net increase of 4% during the period 1993–2000. The highest loss of forest cover occurred in a low human population density area with long distances to markets, while a stable forest cover occurred in the area with highest population density and good market access. Analyses of institutions revealed that loss of forest cover occurred mainly in areas characterized by insecure property rights, while areas with well-defined property rights showed either regenerating or stable forest cover. The results thus corroborate our hypothesis. The large-scale spontaneous regeneration dominated by native endemic species appears to be a result of a combination of changes in precipitation, migration and decreased human population and livestock grazing pressure, but under conditions of maintained and well-defined property rights. Our study emphasizes the large capacity of a semi-arid system to spontaneously regenerate, triggered by decreased pressures, but where existing social institutions mitigate other drivers of deforestation and alternative land-use.

Sensory basis of food detection in wild Microcebus murinus

Abstract: Very little is known about how nocturnal primates find their food. Here we studied the sensory basis of food perception in wild-caught gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) in Madagascar. Mouse lemurs feed primarily on fruit and arthropods. We established a set of behavioral experiments to assess food detection in wild-born, field-experienced mouse lemurs in short-term captivity. Specifically, we investigated whether they use visual, auditory, and motion cues to find and to localize prey arthropods and further whether olfactory cues are sufficient for finding fruit. Visual cues from motionless arthropod dummies were not sufficient to allow reliable detection of prey in choice experiments, nor did they trigger prey capture behavior when presented on the feeding platform. In contrast, visual motion cues from moving prey dummies attracted their attention. Behavioral observations and experiments with live and recorded insect rustling sounds indicated that the lemurs make use of prey-generated acoustic cues for foraging. Both visual motion cues and acoustic prey stimuli on their own were sufficient to trigger approach and capture behavior in the mouse lemurs. For the detection of fruit, choice experiments showed that olfactory information was sufficient for mouse lemurs to find a piece of banana. Our study provides the first experimental data on the sensory ecology of food detection in mouse lemurs. Further research is necessary to address the role of sensory ecology for food selection and possibly for niche differentiation between sympatric Microcebus species.

Unexpected species diversity of Malagasy primates (Lepilemur spp.) in the same biogeographical zone: a morphological and molecular approach with the description of two new species.

Abstract: The lemurs of Madagascar provide an excellent mammalian radiation to explore mechanisms and processes favouring species diversity and evolution. Species diversity, in particular of nocturnal species, increased considerably during the last decade. However, the factors contributing to this high diversity are not well understood. We tested predictions derived from two existing biogeographic models by exploring the genetic and morphological divergence among populations of a widely distributed lemur genus, the sportive lemur (Lepilemur ssp.) along a 560 km long transect from western to northern Madagascar. By using the phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA sequence data, molecular diagnostic sites and phenotypic morphometric traits, we uncovered two previously undetected species whose distributions contradict the two existing biogeographic models. Brief species descriptions are provided and a new biogeographic model is proposed (the ”large river model“). According to the ”large river model“, large rivers in north and northwestern Madagascar acted as geographical barriers for gene flow and facilitated speciation events on a much smaller spatial scale than previously thought. Thereby, this study does not only show that species diversity in nocturnal Malagasy primates is continuously underestimated but aims to emphasize the need for conservation actions if those species with small ranges shall not face extinction in the near future.

Deforestation and apparent extinctions of endemic forest beetles in Madagascar

Abstract: Madagascar has lost about half of its forest cover since 1953 with much regional variation, for instance most of the coastal lowland forests have been cleared. We sampled the endemic forest-dwelling Helictopleurini dung beetles across Madagascar during 2002–2006. Our samples include 29 of the 51 previously known species for which locality information is available. The most significant factor explaining apparent extinctions (species not collected by us) is forest loss within the historical range of the focal species, suggesting that deforestation has already caused the extinction, or effective extinction, of a large number of insect species with small geographical ranges, typical for many endemic taxa in Madagascar. Currently, roughly 10% of the original forest cover remains. Species–area considerations suggest that this will allow roughly half of the species to persist. Our results are consistent with this prediction.

Paleoenvironment and paleoecology of majungasaurus crenatissimus (theropoda: abelisauridae) from the late cretaceous of madagascar

Abstract: The abelisaurid theropod Majungasaurus crenatissimus inhabited the plains of northwestern Madagascar during the Late Cretaceous. It lived alongside other nonavian dinosaurs, including a small-bodied noasaurid theropod (Masiakasaurus knopfleri) and a titanosaurian sauropod (Rapetosaurus krausei). Although an inhabitant of the expansive floodplains of the Mahajanga Basin, M. crenatissimus also frequented the broad and sandy channel belts that drained Madagascar's central highlands. These shallow rivers were populated by a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, including fish, frogs, turtles, and several species of both large and small crocodyliforms. These animals were likely adapted for seasonal fluctuations in water availability because the sediments that entomb their remains (fine-grained debris flow deposits intercalated with stream flow deposits) indicate a strongly variable discharge regime. Associated oxidized calcareous paleosols with localized accumulations of carbonate nodules sugge...

Habitat Utilization of Blue-Eyed Black Lemurs, Eulemur Macaco Flavifrons (Gray, 1867), in Primary and Altered Forest Fragments

Abstract: Lemurs of the genus Eulemur, including Eulemur macaco, are usually considered to be generalized, opportunistic frugivore-folivores, with a high degree of ecological flexibility. They are thus regarded as being able to adapt to a range of habitat types, and therefore less affected by the loss of primary forest habitat. In this study we assessed the suitability of altered forest habitat for the blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur macaco flavifrons) on the Sahamalaza Peninsula (northwest Madagascar). Our aims were to identify structural vegetation characteristics that are important for the taxon, and to compare their availability in a primary and a secondary forest fragment. Home range size and habitat use of four groups of E. m. flavifrons, the availability of food resources and sleeping trees, as well as plant biodiversity and plant communities were investigated. The forest fragments harboring E. m. flavifrons groups differed in a number of structural variables. The density of food and resting trees w...

Diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema) use olfaction to forage for the inflorescences of subterranean parasitic plants (Balanophoraceae: Langsdorffia sp., and Cytinaceae: Cytinus sp.).

Abstract: Primates usually locate food resources using visual cues and memory, yet the potential for olfactory-guided (or olfactory-assisted) food location remains relatively unexplored Here we report observations of wild Propithecus diadema that strongly suggest that olfaction is used to locate the inflorescences of two subterranean parasitic plant species (Langsdorffia sp and Cytinus sp) These valued but seasonal food resources are found obscured in leaf litter, and sifakas spend considerable time on the ground engaged in what appears to be olfactory exploration before they locate the inflorescences Because they are visually obscured and occur within a substrate that is rarely used by sifakas, accidental discovery of these resources seems unlikely Individuals may learn to exploit them by watching conspecifics Am J Primatol 69:1–6, 2007 © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc

Predation, Communication, and Cognition in Lemurs

Abstract: Predation represents an important selective force shaping the evolution of primate behavior. Primates confronted with predators have evolved various strategies to minimize the probability of being eaten. Predation risk and hunting styles of predators should have selected for communicative and cognitive abilities linked to socioecology and life history. As studies on several socially cohesive mammals indicate, the study of anti-predator behavior represents an important tool for gaining insight into cognition, e.g., to understand how animals classify objects and events in the world around them (e.g., marmots: Blumstein, 1999; vervet monkeys: Seyfarth et al., 1980; Diana monkeys: Zuberbuhler, 2000; suricates: Manser et al., 2002).

Oxygen isotope systematics of gem corundum deposits in Madagascar: relevance for their geological origin

Abstract: The oxygen isotopic composition of gem corundum was measured from 22 deposits and occurrences in Madagascar to provide a gemstone geological identification and characterization. Primary corundum deposits in Madagascar are hosted in magmatic (syenite and alkali basalt) and metamorphic rocks (gneiss, cordieritite, mafic and ultramafic rocks, marble, and calc-silicate rocks). In both domains the circulation of fluids, especially along shear zones for metamorphic deposits, provoked in situ transformation of the corundum host rocks with the formation of metasomatites such as phlogopite, sakenite, and corundumite. Secondary deposits (placers) are the most important economically and are contained in detrital basins and karsts. The oxygen isotopic ratios (18O/16O) of ruby and sapphire from primary deposits are a good indicator of their geological origin and reveal a wide range of δ18O (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water) between 1.3 and 15.6‰. Metamorphic rubies are defined by two groups of δ18O values in the range of 1.7 to 2.9‰ (cordieritite) and 3.8 to 6.1‰ (amphibolite). “Magmatic” rubies from pyroxenitic xenoliths contained in the alkali basalt of Soamiakatra have δ18O values ranging between 1.3 and 4.7‰. Sapphires are classified into two main groups with δ18O in the range of 4.7 to 9.0‰ (pyroxenite and feldspathic gneiss) and 10.7 to 15.6‰ (skarn in marble from Andranondambo). The δ18O values for gem corundum from secondary deposits have a wide spread between −0.3 and 16.5‰. The ruby and sapphire found in placers linked to alkali basalt environments in the northern and central regions of Madagascar have consistent δ18O values between 3.5 and 6.9‰. Ruby from the placers of Vatomandry and Andilamena has δ18O values of 5.9‰, and between 0.5 and 4.0‰, respectively. The placers of the Ilakaka area are characterized by a huge variety of colored sapphires and rubies, with δ18O values between −0.3 and 16.5‰, and their origin is debated. A comparison with oxygen isotope data obtained on gem corundum from Eastern Africa, India, and Sri Lanka is presented. Giant placer deposits from Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Tanzania have a large variety of colored sapphires and rubies with a large variation in δ18O due to mingling of corundum of different origin: mafic and ultramafic rocks for ruby, desilicated pegmatites for blue sapphire, syenite for yellow, green, and blue sapphire, and skarn in marbles for blue sapphire.

Habitat use, roost selection and conservation of bats in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar

Abstract: Although the land mammals of Madagascar have been the subject of many studies, the island’s bats have yet to feature prominently on the research or conservation agenda. In this study we used mist nets, acoustic sampling and cave surveys to assess habitat use, seasonality and roost selection. Four microchiropteran species (Triaenops rufus, T. furculus, Miniopterus manavi and Myotis goudoti) appeared to be strongly associated with the forest interior based on trapping, but analysis of time-expanded echolocation recordings revealed that T. rufus and M. manavi were frequently recorded in forest edges and clearings. Bat activity was significantly lower inside the forest than at the interface between agricultural land and forest. The caves visited most often by tourists were low in bat abundance and species richness. Anjohikinakina Cave, which was visited infrequently by people, was used by five species and contained between 54% (winter) and 99% (summer) of bats counted in 16 caves and is a site of national importance for bat conservation. Hipposideros commersoni was only netted in our study area during October and may be a migrant to the site or present but inactive during the austral winter. The forest surrounding the caves is therefore important because it provides cover for emerging bats and a potential source of invertebrate prey whilst the forest edge is important to foraging bats.

The ecology and conservation status of Madagascar's endemic freshwater crayfish (Parastacidae; Astacoides)

Abstract: SUMMARY 1 Freshwater crayfish of the genus Astacoides are endemic to the highlands of eastern Madagascar Very little is known about their ecology and how this affects their vulnerability to threats Working in the Fianarantsoa forest corridor, we used a combination of ecological research (>29 000 crayfish caught and released) and interviews (>130 interviews in 38 villages) to investigate the ecology and status of four of the seven described species 2 Astacoides species studied showed very slow growth, with growth rates of Astacoides granulimanus and Astacoides crosnieri among the slowest known in any species of crayfish We found individuals of all three species for which we had growth data which we estimate at more than 20-years old The size at which females became ovigerous varied among species Astacoides betsileoensis withheld reproduction until a large size (only 30% of females were gravid at 60-mm carapace length, compared with 90% for A granulimanus) This is likely to make A betsileoensis particularly vulnerable to overexploitation and we found that only 10% of individuals measured in a market (n ¼ 909) would have reproduced before being caught compared with 35% of the more common A granulimanus (n ¼ 30 561) 3 Habitat loss is a serious threat to the genus; even A granulimanus, the most widespread species, was only found in rivers or streams flanked by natural vegetation Astacoides caldwelli, the rarest species in this study, was found only at low altitudes (<800 m) in rivers draining forested catchments Habitat loss is particularly rapid in low elevation forest A crosnieri was restricted to swampy land that is rapidly being converted to rice fields Introduced Asian snakehead fish (Channa maculata) may pose a hitherto unrecognised threat to some species, particularly A betsileoensis 4 Madagascar’s freshwater habitats have great significance for global biodiversity yet conservation effort, as in much of the world, has focused on terrestrial ecosystems Until recently almost nothing was known about the ecology of Astacoides crayfish, a diverse and economically important genus Here, we show that members of the genus vary markedly in their reproductive biology, growth rates, habitat requirements and the threats they face We suggest that habitat loss is an urgent threat, especially to A caldwelli and A crosnieri,

Temporal trends in sexually transmitted infection prevalence and condom use following introduction of the female condom to Madagascar sex workers

Abstract: We followed 1000 sex workers in Madagascar for 18 months to assess whether adding female condoms to male condom distribution led to increased protection levels and decreased sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For months 1-6, participants had access to male condoms only; in the final 12 months, they had access to male and female condoms. We interviewed participants about condom use every two months and tested for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis every six months. Following six months of male condom distribution, participants used protection in 78% of sex acts with clients. Following female condom introduction, protection at months 12 and 18 rose to 83% and 88%, respectively. Aggregate STI prevalence declined from 52% at baseline to 50% at month 6. With the female condom added, STI prevalence dropped to 41% and 40% at months 12 and 18, respectively. We conclude female condom introduction is associated with increased use of protection to levels that reduce STI risk.

Not rare, but threatened: the endemic Madagascar flying fox Pteropus rufus in a fragmented landscape

Abstract: The endemic Madagascar flying fox Pteropus rufus is threatened by habitat loss at roost sites and hunting for bushmeat. There is no conservation plan for this species, even though it is categorized on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable and plays an important role as a seed disperser. In the Mangoro valley of central eastern Madagascar we monitored roost occupancy and abun- dance of P. rufus on 15 occasions at six sites over a 12- month period and conducted a detailed assessment of eight roosts during July 2004. There was considerable monthly variation in bat abundance and only two sites contained bats during every visit. Three sites were occupied only between September and March and may act as maternity or nursery roosts. Evidence of hunting was found at three roosts, and fire and forest clearance are ubiquitous threats. Two roosts were in Eucalyptus plantations and six were in small (2.2 - 28.7 ha) isolated fragments of degraded, mid elevation dense humid forest. All roosts were outside protected areas but were within 20 km of relatively intact forest. Faecal analysis revealed a diet of native forest tree species, cultivated fruits and Eucalyptus flowers. P. rufus in the Mangoro valley, and elsewhere in Madagascar, appears to survive in human-impacted environments by the inclusion of exotic plants in its diet and the ability to move between roosts. We provide conservation recommendations for P. rufus at both local and national levels.

Unusual sex roles in a highly promiscuous parrot: the Greater Vasa Parrot Caracopsis vasa

Abstract: We describe the unusual mating system of the Greater Vasa Parrot Caracopsis vasa. The dull black plumage of males and females is similar but females are significantly larger than males. Females are promiscuous and copulated with at least five different males. Copulations were either short (1-3 s) or very long (mean 35.9 min), and long copulations involved a copulatory tie facilitated by the male's enlarged cloacal protrusion. Multilocus DNA fingerprinting of 17 broods showed that all were of mixed paternity, and that some broods had three fathers. Males never visited nests directly, but during the incubation and chick-rearing periods females came off the nest and were fed regurgitated fruit by multiple males. Four had band-sharing coefficients that suggested they were unrelated. Males copulated with and provided food for several widely separated females simultaneously. During the chick-rearing period females defended a territory around the nest from conspecific females, developed conspicuous orange skin on the head (through feather loss), and uttered loud, complex vocalizations that we refer to as 'song' from prominent perches near the nest. Males showed none of these traits. Females with high song rates attracted more males and as a result received more food than other females. Play-back experiments in which female song rates were either increased or decreased, attracted more or fewer males respectively. We propose that female song, conspicuous head colour and territoriality have all evolved as a result of competition between females for the food provided by males. The selective pressures favouring this highly unusual breeding system in the Greater Vasa Parrot are unclear but some sort of ecological constraint, such as food availability, may be important.

The feeding ecology of Eidolon dupreanum (Pteropodidae) in eastern Madagascar

Abstract: We investigated the diet of the endemic fruit bat Eidolon dupreanum (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in eastern Madagascar. We collected faecal and ejecta samples under day roosts and at nocturnal feeding trees. Eidolon dupreanum ate mainly fruit, although Eucalyptus spp. flowers were also consumed. In total, 30 plant species (fourteen identified and sixteen unidentified) were recorded in the diet, including six introduced taxa. Polyscias spp. trees, which occurred in humid forest at least 5 km from the roost, were the most frequently recorded plant in the diet. Fruits of Psidium spp. were abundant near to the roost but relatively uncommon in the faeces. Passage through the alimentary canal was limited to seeds <7 mm and there was some evidence for a positive effect on germination after passage through bats' stomachs. The role of fruit bats as seed dispersers in forest ecosystems in Madagascar should be used as an additional leverage for their conservation.

Working at the interface of phylogenetics and population genetics: a biogeographical analysis of Triaenops spp. (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae)

Abstract: New applications of genetic data to questions of historical biogeography have revolutionized our understanding of how organisms have come to occupy their present distributions. Phylogenetic methods in combination with divergence time estimation can reveal biogeographical centres of origin, differentiate between hypotheses of vicariance and dispersal, and reveal the directionality of dispersal events. Despite their power, however, phylogenetic methods can sometimes yield patterns that are compatible with multiple, equally well-supported biogeographical hypotheses. In such cases, additional approaches must be integrated to differentiate among conflicting dispersal hypotheses. Here, we use a synthetic approach that draws upon the analytical strengths of coalescent and population genetic methods to augment phylogenetic analyses in order to assess the biogeographical history of Madagascar's Triaenops bats (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae). Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequence data for Malagasy and east African Triaenops reveal a pattern that equally supports two competing hypotheses. While the phylogeny cannot determine whether Africa or Madagascar was the centre of origin for the species investigated, it serves as the essential backbone for the application of coalescent and population genetic methods. From the application of these methods, we conclude that a hypothesis of two independent but unidirectional dispersal events from Africa to Madagascar is best supported by the data.

Seasonal food habits of five sympatric forest microchiropterans in western madagascar

Abstract: We determined the foods habits of 5 species of microchiropteran bats (Hipposideros commersoni, Triaenops rufus, Triaenops furculus, Myotis goudoti, and Miniopterus manavi) in the austral winter and summer in a dry deciduous forest in western Madagascar using fecal analysis. We also assessed food availability and bat activity in 4 forest microhabitats. Despite overlap in dietary composition, H. commersoni consumed mainly Coleoptera; M. goudoti consumed mainly Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, and Araneae; M. manavi consumed mainly Hemiptera; and T. rufus and T. furculus consumed mainly Lepidoptera. Diptera were the most abundant insects in traps but were rarely encountered in feces. H. commersoni was not netted during the austral winter, but the other 4 species changed their diet according to seasonal availability, with lepidopterans the most important diet items in winter and coleopterans in summer. We consistently trapped a higher abundance of potential bat prey at the forest edge, whereas the forest interior was low in both food availability and bat activity. The 5 microchiropterans studied partitioned the available food mainly through dietary specialization, although spatial and temporal partitioning also may play a role. More research is needed to assess levels of dependency on forest by these bats, and to investigate the seasonal ecology of H. commersoni and interspecific competition between T. rufus and T. furculus.

Specific Status of Populations on Madagascar Referred to Miniopterus fraterculus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), with Description of a New Species

Abstract: A new species of bat of the genus Miniopterus is described from Madagascar based on a series of specimens taken in the Central Highlands of the island. This new species previously was identified as M. fraterculus, which is widespread in portions of eastern and southern Africa. Comparisons between these 2 taxa were further complicated because M. fraterculus occurs in portions of its range in sympatry with a morphologically similar species, M. natalensis. Based on specimen material and associated tissue samples from near the type localities of M. natalensis and M. fraterculus, as well as access to some of the critical type specimens, morphological and genetic molecular analyses were used to determine that Malagasy specimens previously assigned to M. fraterculus represent a previously unrecognized species of Miniopterus endemic to the island. Given that the habitat used by Miniopterus sp. nov. is not necessarily associated with native forest, that it has a broad distribution across the Central Highlands, and that it has been found in synanthropic situations, this species is not considered a conservation concern.

Morphological and molecular assessment of the specific status of Mops midas (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from Madagascar and Africa

Abstract: The Molossidae bat Mops midas has a broad distribution across portions of Africa and is also known from Madagascar. The African populations have been referred to the subspecies M. m. midas and those from Madagascar to M. m. miarensis. The subspecific differences between these two forms have been called into question. However, largely due to the rarity of the Malagasy subspecies in collections, it has not been previously possible to address this point. Recent bat surveys on Madagascar have found that this species is relatively common in portions of the west and south; using these new collections, we address the question of the distinctiveness of miarensis. External measurements and soft-part anatomy, as well as cranial and dental measurements and structure, revealed few differences between the African and Malagasy populations. Further, molecular comparisons using 1080 bp of mitochondrial cytochrome b found a divergence of only 0.1% between South African and Malagasy populations, compared with a di...

Descriptions of the tadpoles of two species of Gephyromantis, with a discussion of the phylogenetic origin of direct development in mantellid frogs

Abstract: We describe the larval stages of two Malagasy frog species of the genus Gephyromantis, based on specimens identified by DNA barcoding The tadpoles of Gephyromantis ambohitra are generalized stream-living Orton type IV type larvae with two lateral small constrictions of the body wall at the plane of spiracle Gephyromantis pseudoasper tadpoles are characterized by totally keratinised jaw sheaths with hypertrophied indentation, a reduced number of labial tooth rows, enlarged papillae on the oral disc, and a yellowish coloration of the tip of the tail in life The morphology of the tadpole of G pseudoasper agrees with that of G corvus, supporting the current placement of these two species in a subgenus Phylacomantis, and suggesting that the larvae of G pseudoasper may also have carnivorous habits as known in G corvus Identifying the tadpole of Gephyromantis ambohitra challenges current assumptions of the evolution of different developmental modes in Gephyromantis, since this species is thought to be related to G asper, a species of supposedly endotrophic direct development

Determination of a complete lemur mitochondrial genome from feces

Abstract: Mitochondrial genome (mt-genome) sequences are widely used in molecular phylogenetic studies because of their relatively small size and of the strict orthology of their genes. It is sometimes the most difficult step in such studies to get samples particularly from endangered species. Here, we report successful amplification and sequencing of mt-genome of Propithecus (sifaka) from feces sample, using the extract method of Chelex-100 Phenol-Chloroform or QIAamp DNA Stool kit (Qiagen) in combination with FTA cards (Whatmann). For biologists, such a noninvasive sampling method should be an important resource that will provide greater opportunities to collect invaluable samples. By using the mt-genome sequence of sifaka obtained by this work with other published sequences of primates, we estimated the phylogeny of primates, and demonstrated that the evolutionary rate acceleration occurred in the Anthropoids lineage after they diverged from tarsier.

Global population size of a critically endangered lemur, Perrier's sifaka

Abstract: The Perrier's sifaka Propithecus perrieri, considered critically endangered by the IUCN (World Conservation Union; 2004), is one of the least studied and most endangered primates in the world, yet baseline information on its distribution and population levels has not been updated for over 10 years. Density estimates from former studies suggest that only between 100 and 2000 individuals remain in the wild. In 2003–2004, using the line-transect method, information on the distribution and population levels of this and sympatric primate species were obtained. Multi-spectral, Landsat 7 satellite images of areas comprising the known Perrier's sifaka distribution, acquired in 1994 and 2002, were compared using spatial analysis techniques to quantify regional patterns of deforestation. Results from this study indicate that the global population of the Perrier's sifaka consists of about 915 individuals and the effective population size is unlikely to exceed 230 individuals. Furthermore, an annual deforestation rate of 1.2% was detected in the only protected area where this species occurs. Deforestation, the decline of taboos against hunting and human immigration patterns influence primate population status in northern Madagascar and threaten to drive the Perrier's sifaka to extinction in the near future.

Geographical structure of genetic variation in the malagasy scops-owl inferred from mitochondrial sequence data

Abstract: A recent taxonomic revision of the Malagasy Scops-Owl (Otus rutilus) recognized two distinct endemic species on the island based on plumage, vocal, and morphological characters: O. rutilus (sensu stricto) from eastern humid forest formations and O. madagascariensis from western dry forest areas. An evaluation of these characters calls into question their validity for taxonomic studies, as they may be ecologically linked. To independently assess the two-species hypothesis, we used sequence data from 1449 base pairs (bp) of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 34 scops-owls obtained across the range of these two putative species. Nineteen haplotypes were detected, four of which were shared by more than one individual. Maximum sequence divergence was 0.6% (mean = 0.24%). While the most common haplotype was shared by 10 individuals originating from different eastern and western localities, 12 haplotypes were exclusive to O. rutilus and five to O. madagascariensis. An analysis of molecular variance showed...

The topography of the lymph vessels of mammary glands in female cats.

Abstract: Malignant tumours of the mammary gland in the female cat metastasize, especially through the lymphatic system. However, the anatomical knowledge of this system in cats is not sufficient to develop a reasoned model for the extirpation of these glands in the case of malignant tumours. A study of the topography of the collector vessels in 50 female cats was conducted by indirect injection in vivo of India ink inside the mammary parenchyma. All the lymph nodes were controlled by microscopic examination and lymph vessels were examined after clearing. The success rate of the colouration of the lymph vessels was 76.4%. Clearing showed several principal routes of drainage, different for each gland. Contrary to the presentation observed in the bitch, no evidence existed in any of the 65 cases of lymphatic plexuses connecting the two mammary glands of each row in the female cat. The result of this study is in favour of the development of a new model for the surgical extirpation of mammary tumours in cats.