Showing papers by "University of Antananarivo published in 2008"

Extinction vulnerability of tropical montane endemism from warming and upslope displacement: a preliminary appraisal for the highest massif in Madagascar

Abstract: One of the predicted biological responses to climate warming is the upslope displacement of species distributions. In the tropics, because montane assemblages frequently include local endemics that are distributed close to summits, these species may be especially vulnerable to experiencing complete habitat loss from warming. However, there is currently a dearth of information available for tropical regions. Here, we present a preliminary appraisal of this extinction threat using the herpetological assemblage of the Tsaratanana Massif in northern Madagascar (the island’s highest massif), which is rich with montane endemism. We present meteorological evidence (individual and combined regional weather station data and reanalysis forecast data) for recent warming in Madagascar, and show that this trend is consistent with recent climate model simulations. Using standard moist adiabatic lapse rates, these observed meteorological warming trends in northern Madagascar predict upslope species displacement of 17–74 m per decade between 1993 and 2003. Over this same period, we also report preliminary data supporting a trend for upslope distribution movements, based on two surveys we completed at Tsaratanana. For 30 species, representing five families of reptiles and amphibians, we found overall mean shifts in elevational midpoint of 19–51 m upslope (mean lower elevation limit 29–114 m; mean upper elevation limit � 8t o 53 m). We also found upslope trends in mean and median elevational observations in seven and six of nine species analysed. Phenological differences between these surveys do not appear to be substantial, but these upslope shifts are consistent with the predictions based on meteorological warming. An elevational range displacement analysis projects complete habitat loss for three species below the 21C ‘dangerous’ warming threshold. One of these species is not contracting its distribution, but the other two were not resampled in 2003. A preliminary review of the other massifs in Madagascar indicates potential similar vulnerability to habitat loss and upslope extinction. Consequently, we urgently recommend additional elevational surveys for these and other tropical montane assemblages, which should also include, when possible, the monitoring of local meteorological conditions and habitat change.

The Importance of Taboos and Social Norms to Conservation in Madagascar

Abstract: Informal institutions governing the use of wild species are present in many societies. A system of prohibitions known as fady is central to Malagasy culture. We examined whether fady that relate to the use of natural resources in the eastern rainforests of Madagascar play an important conservation role. Prohibitions ranged from strict taboos in which a species or area was forbidden by the ancestors to social norms that concerned acceptable behavior when harvesting wild species. Strict taboos offered real protection to threatened species, such as the lemur Propithecus edwardsi and the carnivore Cryptoprocta ferox. Taboos also reduced pressure on some economically important endemic species by preventing their sale or limiting the harvest season. Despite their value for conservation, the taboos did not appear to originate from attempts to sustainably manage resources. Nevertheless, social norms, in which the sanction was social disapproval rather than supernatural retribution, encouraged sustainable harvesting practices for tenrecs (Tenrec ecudatus) and pandans (Pandanus spp.). Unfortunately, the social norms concerning methods of harvesting pandans appeared to be breaking down in villages surrounding Ranomafana National Park, and we suggest that the imposition of external conservation rules is weakening traditional management. Informal institutions are important to conservation because they suggest ways of improving cultural understanding and conservation communication. Food taboos influence societal preferences, which affect the wider demand for a species. Most important, where capacity to enforce external conservation rules is limited, informal institutions may provide the only effective regulations. Informal institutions should receive greater attention from conservation biologists so that local people's conservation roles can be acknowledged fairly and so that potential synergies with conservation objectives can be realized.

Testing the Use of Interviews as a Tool for Monitoring Trends in the Harvesting of Wild Species

Abstract: Summary 1. Many aspects of human behaviour impact on ecological systems. Ecologists therefore need information on changes in these behaviours and are increasingly using methods more familiar to social scientists. 2. Understanding patterns of wildlife harvesting is important for assessing the sustainability of harvests. Interviews are commonly used in which informants are asked to summarize their activities over a period of time. However, few studies have investigated the reliability of such data, the usefulness of interviews for monitoring trends, and how their information content can be maximized. 3. We carried out rapid assessment interviews with villagers in Madagascar about the quantity, timing and spatial patterns of crayfish Astacoides granulimanus and firewood collection. We compared the results with information from daily interviews with the same informants. We used mixed models to investigate how accurately people reported their activities in the rapid assessment interviews, and estimated the probability of detecting a change in harvesting from two such interviews using a Bayesian approach. 4. The interviews provided reliable information on quantities, effort, and the spatial pattern of harvesting. Simulations suggested the interviews would detect changes in catches and harvesting effort with reasonable power; for example, a 20% change in the amount of time spent crayfish harvesting could be detected with 90% power. Power is higher when the same informants are questioned in repeat interviews. 5. Synthesis and applications . Ecologists are increasingly using social techniques and it is vital that they are subject to rigorous testing to ensure robustness in trend detection. This study suggests that interviews can be used to monitor changes in harvesting patterns by resource users, but whether the power is adequate will depend on the needs of the study. To maximize the power of interviews, informants should be interviewed independently and the same informants interviewed in subsequent years.

Lemur Diversity in Madagascar

Abstract: A basic understanding of the taxonomy, diversity, and distributions of primates is essential for their conservation. This review of the status of the taxonomy of lemurs is based on a 5-d workshop entitled “Primate Taxonomy for the New Millennium,” held at the Disney Institute, Orlando, Florida, in February 2000. The aim is not to present a taxonomic revision, but to review our current understanding of the diversity and current and past ranges of lemurs and indicate where there is controversy, discrepancy, or lack of knowledge. Our goal therefore is to provide a baseline for future taxonomic investigation, as well as a clearer focus for research and conservation priorities. We here focus on the lemurs of Madagascar and recognize 5 families, 15 genera, and 99 species and subspecies. We list 39 species of lemurs described since 2000: 2 dwarf lemurs, Cheirogaleus; 11 mouse lemurs, Microcebus; a giant mouse lemur, Mirza; a bamboo lemur, Hapalemur; 17 sportive lemurs, Lepilemur; and 7 woolly lemurs, Avahi. Taxonomic revisions have resulted in the resurrection of a further 9 taxa. However, the figures do not represent the total diversity of Malagasy lemurs because more new species are being identified via new field studies and accompanying genetic research, and should be described in the near future.

The antiquity of Madagascar’s grasslands and the rise of C4 grassy biomes

Abstract: Aim Grasslands and savannas, which make up > 75% of Madagascar’s land area, have long been viewed as anthropogenically derived after people settled on the island c. 2 ka. We investigated this hypothesis and an alternative – that the grasslands are an insular example of the post-Miocene spread of C4 grassy biomes world-wide. Location Madagascar, southern Africa, East Africa. Methods We compared the number of C4 grass genera in Madagascar with that in southern and south-central African floras. If the grasslands are recent we would expect to find fewer species and genera in Madagascar relative to Africa and for these species and genera to have very wide distribution ranges in Madagascar. Secondly, we searched Madagascan floras for the presence of endemic plant species or genera restricted to grasslands. We also searched for evidence of a grassland specialist fauna with species endemic to Madagascar. Plant and animal species endemic to C4 grassy biomes would not be expected if these are of recent origin. Results Madagascar has c. 88 C4 grass genera, including six endemic genera. Excluding African genera with only one or two species, Madagascar has 86.6% of southern Africa’s and 89.4% of south-central Africa’s grass genera. C4 grass species make up c. 4% of the flora of both Madagascar and southern Africa and species : genus ratios are similar (4.3 and 5.1, respectively). Turnover of grasses along geographical gradients follows similar patterns to those in South Africa, with Andropogoneae dominating in mesic biomes and Chlorideae in semi-arid grassy biomes. At least 16 monocot genera have grassland members, many of which are endemic to Madagascar. Woody species in frequently burnt savannas include both Madagascan endemics and African species. A different woody flora, mostly endemic, occurs in less frequently burnt grasslands in the central highlands, filling a similar successional niche to montane C4 grasslands in Africa. Diverse vertebrate and invertebrate lineages have grassland specialists, including many endemic to Madagascar (e.g. termites, ants, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals). Grassland use of the extinct fauna is poorly known but carbon isotope analysis indicates that a hippo, two giant tortoises and one extinct lemur ate C4 or CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) plants. Main conclusions The diversity of C4 grass lineages in Madagascar relative to that in Africa, and the presence of plant and animal species endemic to Madagascan grassy biomes, does not fit the view that these grasslands are anthropogenically derived. We suggest that grasslands invaded Madagascar after the late Miocene, part of the world-wide expansion of C4 grassy biomes. Madagascar provides an interesting test case for biogeographical analysis of how these novel biomes assembled, and the sources of the flora and fauna that now occupy them. A necessary part of such an analysis would be to establish the pre-settlement extent of the C4 grassy biomes. Carbon isotope analysis of soil organic matter would be a feasible method for doing this.

Aggregate associated-C and physical protection in a tropical clayey soil under Malagasy conventional and no-tillage systems

Abstract: Share-ploughed tillage with residue removed (CT-R) is the traditional tillage practice in the Highlands of Madagascar. No-tillage with residue mulching (NT+R) is nowadays often used as an alternative cultivation practice. Soils (0–5 cm layer) were sampled in Spring 2003 from both management systems after 11 years of soybean–maize annual rotation on a clayey Ferralsol. Soil aggregate stability can influence soil organic carbon (SOC) storage by its protection from microbial decomposition. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content was significantly impacted by systems and crop residues derived-carbon represented 64% of the annual benefit in SOC of NT+R system. The carbon associated with soil water stable macro- (200–2000 μm), meso- (20–200 μm) and microaggregates ( −1 soil, respectively) and made up the largest percentage (>80%) of the difference of SOC content between NT+R and CT-R systems. The amount of mineralized C over 28 days was higher in NT+R than in CT-R, and higher in meso- than in macroaggregates. However, crushing aggregates did not significantly affect the amount of mineralized C in macro- and mesoaggregates for both management systems. The macro- and mesoaggregates protected-C was lower than 54 μg g −1 soil for both NT+R and CT-R systems. Hence, the physical protection of C in aggregate larger than 50 μm was not the main process of C protection in the studied systems. Thus, C protection might occur in aggregates larger or smaller than 50 μm via physico-chemical protection mechanisms by association of organic matter to clay and silt fractions, or by protection due to chemical composition.

Revision of the Mouse Lemurs, Microcebus (Primates, Lemuriformes), of Northern and Northwestern Madagascar with Descriptions of Two New Species at Montagne d'Ambre National Park and Antafondro Classified Forest

Abstract: Molecular genetic sequence variation of northern and northwestern mouse lemurs (Microcebus) was examined during a phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data (c. 3,000 bp) for the entire genus. Phylogenetic inference of the mitochondrial DNA sequence data was generated from 132 individuals, representing 15 species of mouse lemurs. The database distinguished the 15 described Microcebus species and also provided diagnostic evidence for two further species. A comparison of the data for two mouse lemur species described from Nosy Be confirmed the existence of just one for this island population. The localities of the newly identified species are within the distributions previously recognized for Microcebus sambiranensis and Microcebus tavaratra. Formal descriptions, drawn from molecular genetic data, are presented for the two newly named species: one from Antafondro Classified Forest and the other from Montagne d'Ambre National Park. We revise the Inter-River-System hypothesis c...

Geographic variation in loud calls of sportive lemurs (Lepilemur ssp.) and their implications for conservation.

Abstract: Bioacoustical studies in nonhuman primates have shown that loud calls can be reliably used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for discriminating cryptic taxa, for their monitoring in the field as well as for the reconstruction of their phylogeny. To date, it is unknown, whether loud calls can be used for these purposes in sportive lemurs, for which current genetic studies suggest the existence of at least 24 cryptic species. The aim of this study was to compare the structure of loud calls of populations of sportive lemurs to characterize informative acoustic traits for taxa discrimination and to establish a phylogenetic tree based on acoustic structure. We have based our study on Inter-River-Systems (IRSs) as operational taxonomic units. Samples were collected from nine different localities of four IRSs along a transect from northwestern to northern Madagascar. Two call types, the ouah and the high-pitched call, were present in almost all IRSs. Six temporal and eight spectral parameters were measured in 196 calls of the best quality given by 21 different males. Variation within and between IRSs was assessed by multivariate statistics. Loud calls differed significantly among the different IRSs. The IRSs varied most in spectral parameters, whereas temporal parameters were less variable. Phylogenetic analysis using parsimony yielded 11 out of 17 acoustic characters as phylogenetically informative. The acoustic tree had an average branch support of 78%. Its topology coincided less with geographic distances than with genetic tree topology. Altogether our findings revealed that loud calls separated geographically isolated populations of sportive lemurs specifically. Based on these results, noninvasive tools for diagnosis and monitoring of cryptic species in nature can be developed for conservation management. Am. J. Primatol. 70:828–838, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Influence of light quality and intensity in the cultivation of Spirulina platensis from Toliara (Madagascar) in a closed system

Abstract: BACKROUND: Spirulina platensis (Toliara, Madagascar) provides a food supplement which can fight against malnutrition and food insufficiency in Madagascar. In this country, the current production from three open basins does not cover the need and presents drawbacks, such as low productivity and possible contamination. So cultivation of S. platensis in a closed photobioreactor opens the possibility of extending this microalgae production. In this study, the influence of colour and intensity of the light on S. platensis growth and protein content was investigated in a bubble column. RESULTS: Growth kinetics were obtained for four colours (green, white, red and blue) and four intensities (400, 800, 1000 and 1200 lux) of light. The influence of light colour on Spirulina growth was discussed. The highest productivity (183.6 mg L-1d-1) and concentration (2643 mg L-1) were obtained for green light at 1200 lux. The protein content was 58 %. CONCLUSION: Using green light allows to improve S. platensis growth. The performances obtained with the closed system are higher than those reported in the literature.

Geochemistry of the Volcan de l'Androy Basalt^Rhyolite Complex, Madagascar Cretaceous Igneous Province

Abstract: The 4000 km Androy massif in southeastern Madagascar is a 42000 m thick sequence of interbedded basalt and rhyolite erupted during a widespread Cretaceous episode of predominantly basaltic volcanism. Two geochemically different groups of basalt, tholeiitic group B1 and mildly alkalic B2, are present, as are two different groups of rhyolite, R1 and R2. Both the basalts and rhyolites appear to have issued from relatively nearby feeders, as compositionally equivalent intrusions are exposed in the vicinity. The R2 rhyolites define a whole-rock Rb^Sr isochron of 84 0 2 4Ma (2 ), the same, within error, as an Ar^Ar sanidine age reported by earlier workers. Plate reconstructions suggest that the area was near the Marion hotspot at this time. Some involvement of hotspot mantle is allowed, but not required, by Nd^Pb^Sr isotope data for the basalts. The two types of basalt may have formed by different amounts of melting of the same mantle source, which remains rather poorly specified, but group B1was affected much more than B2 by contamination with continental material, probably Archean crust. The R1 rhyolites are petrogenetically related to the B1 basalts, with which they are interbedded.The R2 rhyolites may be derived from melts of frozen high-"Nd B1 basalt coupled with fractionation and assimilation of relatively small amounts of crust. Alternatively, although these rhyolites were erupted significantly later than the B2 basalts, they may have formed through advanced crystal fractionation of B2-type magma and relatively small amounts of crustal assimilation. Separate magmatic plumbing systems appear to have existed more or less contemporaneously in the Androy area.

Sexual behaviour and condom use among university students in Madagascar

Abstract: Although the number of known HIV-infected students in Madagascar increased significantly between 1989 and 1995, very little is known about student behaviour with regard to AIDS. The study objectives were: to describe Malagasy students' sexual behaviour and condom use; to document students' perceptions about condoms; and to study the relationships between students' socio-demographic characteristics, their perceptions about condoms, and their condom use. The survey used a cross-sectional design and was conducted at the Antananarivo's university campus sites. Anonymous questionnaires were self-administered to 320 randomly selected students. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the predictors of condom use. Participants' average age was 24 years. Approximately 80% of the participants reported sexual experiences, and the average age at sexual debut was 19 years. Only 5.7% reported consistent condom use. Common reasons for non-use w...

New Material of Dadadon isaloi (Cynodontia, Traversodontidae) from the Triassic of Madagascar

Abstract: New material of the traversodontid cynodont Dadadon isaloi from the Triassic of southwestern Madagascar is described. The new material consists of a complete, well-preserved skull (FMNH PR 2232) and an unassociated, partial lower jaw (UA 10608). The new material reveals several novel aspects of Dadadon's morphology. Newly recognized autapomorphies that diagnose Dadadon include a fourth upper incisor with posterior accessory cusp, deep interorbital depressions confined to the frontals, and a very tall, robust mid-frontal ridge. Dadadon can further be distinguished from the similar traversodontids Massetognathus and Santacruzodon by the presence of shorter, broader prefrontals with prominent dorsal depressions, robust anterolateral processes overhanging the orbits, a single cusp in the anterior cingulum of the upper postcanines, and relatively elongate, striated, conical upper incisors. In a revised phylogenetic analysis incorporating data from the new specimens, Dadadon is recovered in a clade wit...

Evidence of Invasive Felis silvestris Predation on Propithecus verreauxi at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar

Abstract: Increasing evidence supports the idea that endemic avian and mammalian predators have profoundly impacted primate populations in Madagascar (Goodman, S. M. Predation on lemurs. In S. M. Goodman, & J. P. Benstead (Eds.), The natural history of Madagascar (pp. 1221–1228). Chicago: University of Chicago Press, (2003).). The role in regulating lemur populations of the 3 introduced mammalian carnivorans —small Indian civets (Viverricula indica, Desmarest 1804), domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus 1758), and invasive wildcats (Felis silvestris, Schreber 1775)— is less clear, but recent evidence suggests that the latter 2 are becoming important predators of diurnal lemurs. We report evidence for invasive wildcat predation on sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi) in Parcel 1 at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar, including skeletal remains of apparent Propithecus sifaka victims, observations of wildcat predatory behavior, and behavioral responses of the lemurs in the presence of wildcats.

Comparison of some efficient methods to evaluate the main effect of computer model factors

Abstract: In this paper, three methods to compute the factors main effect on model responses are compared. The first one is the improved Fourier amplitude sensitivity test [Tarantola, S., Gatelli, D. and Mara, T.A., 2006, Random balance designs for the estimation of first-order global sensitivity indices. Reliability Engineering and System Safety, 91(6), 717–727.]. The second one is the extension of the previous technique to the method of Sobol. At last, an original approach that combines a sampling-based method (Monte Carlo) with iterated one-dimensional fittings is also investigated. In our works, we show that the three methods are able to estimate the factors main effect. On the one hand, the improved FAST and the proposed sampling-based strategy are the less expensive methods as they only require one single sample set of simulation runs. On the other hand, when factors are correlated or an uncertainty analysis is also investigated, the former is the most suited. Besides, it is also demonstrated that the estimat...

Phylogeny of Halictidae with an emphasis on endemic African Halictinae

Abstract: We review the literature on phylogeny, fossil record, biogeography, and social evolution in Halictidae. We then present a phylogenetic analysis of tribal, generic, and subgeneric relationships within the subfamily Halictinae using a combined data set of three nuclear genes: long-wavelength (LW) opsin, wingless, and EF-1α. The data set includes 89 species in 34 genera representing all four halictid subfamilies, and all tribes of the subfamily Halictinae. Our study provides several new insights into the phylogeny of the African Halictinae. First, our results support a close relationship between Mexalictus (a small genus of bees occurring at high elevations in the mountains of western North and Central America) and the African/Asian genus Patellapis. Second, our results support placement of the parasitic genus Parathrincostoma well within its host genus Thrinchostoma, suggesting that Parathrincostoma should be treated as a subgenus of Thrinchostoma. Finally, our data set provides strong support for the monophyly of Patellapis (sensu Michener, 2000) and establishes monophyletic groups within the African subgenera that could be the basis for future taxonomic studies.

Mitochondrial DNA origin of indigenous malagasy chicken.

Abstract: We report the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) characterization of 77 indigenous chickens (fighting and meat birds) from Madagascar, using DNA sequences of the first hypervariable segment of the D-loop. Comparison with reference samples from the African continent and Asia revealed two mtDNA haplogroups, suggesting a dual geographic and genetic origin for the indigenous Malagasy chickens. The most common haplogroup was present in 65 individuals of the two types; it is likely of Indonesian origin. The second haplogroup was observed in 12 fighting birds and meat chickens; it could be of African continental origin and/or the result of recent introgression with commercial lines. We further studied a G/A single nucleotide polymorphism at nucleotide position 1892 bp of the coding sequence of the Mx gene that is reported to be one of the candidate susceptible/resistant genes to viral infection in chicken. Our results indicate the "susceptible" allele G is the most common with frequencies of 65% and 70% in Malagasy fighting and meat chickens, respectively. However, the allelic frequency difference between the two types of chickens is not significant (P > 0.05). These results are discussed in light of our current linguistic and archaeological knowledge on the origin of indigenous Malagasy chickens.

Natural and anthropogenic determinants of genetic structure in the largest remaining population of the endangered golden-brown mouse lemur, Microcebus ravelobensis.

Abstract: Genetic differentiation between natural populations is best understood as a result of both natural and anthropogenic factors. Genetic studies on large populations still living under relatively undisturbed conditions are extremely valuable to disentangle these influences. The effect of three natural (geographic distance, landscape, dispersal) factors and two anthropogenic factors (road, savannah) on gene flow was analyzed in the largest remaining forest region in the range of the endangered golden-brown mouse lemur in Madagascar. A total of 187 individuals from 12 sites were sampled and genotyped at eight polymorphic microsatellite loci. All sites exhibited similar levels of genetic variation. The level of genetic differentiation was low to moderate with pairwise F(ST) values ranging from -0.002 to 0.12, but most were significant and all sites exhibited high self-assignment rates. A spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed at two geographic scales revealing a pattern of isolation-by-distance and suggesting that no clear differences exist between male and female local dispersal. Two Bayesian approaches revealed that a stretch of savannah represented a significant barrier to movement, whereas the influence of the road on gene flow was less clear. Finally, we found that landscape characteristics, in particular altitude, play a role in the functional connectivity of the sites. The study underlines the importance of studies in relatively undisturbed conditions for the interpretation of population genetics data in fragmented environments. The results are discussed in terms of their conservation relevance for forest-dwelling animals such as most primate species.

The Crisis of the Critically Endangered Greater Bamboo Lemur (Prolemur simus)

Abstract: Prolemur simus (the greater bamboo lemur) is the most abundant lemur in the northern subfossil sites of Madagascar. Living populations still persist, but in low numbers within a diminished range, making it one of the most critically endangered lemurs. Over the past twenty years scientists have searched the south- and central-eastern rain forests of Madagascar. Despite surveys that encompass over 500 km2, less than 75 animals have been found, with a recent total count of 60. More encouraging is that in 2007 two new sites containing P. simus were found: Mahasoa an unprotected 150 ha fragment east of the Ranomafana/Andringitra corridor (17 P. simus), and Torotorofotsy, a RAMSAR site near Andasibe (∼16 P. simus). Prolemur simus is a bamboo specialist with a patchy geographic distribution, which may be driven by the distribution of one or two bamboo species. Home ranges are large, group size has been observed to be from four to 26 individuals, and localities may be spaced hundreds of kilometers apart...

Resistance to Rice yellow mottle virus in rice germplasm in Madagascar

Abstract: Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is a recent and major threat to rice production in Madagascar. A large scale screening of resistance to RYMV in rice germplasm in Madagascar was conducted by visual symptom scoring and virus-assessment through ELISA tests. The response to virus inoculation of 503 local or introduced rice accessions was assessed. Most of them were susceptible to RYMV. A few cultivars expressed partial resistance at a level similar to the partially resistant Oryza sativa japonica cv. Azucena. Only one O. sativa cultivar expressed high resistance characterised by a lack of symptoms and an undetectable level of virus. It was a Malagasy traditional indica cultivar, named Bekarosaka, which originated from the northwest of the country. It was selected by farmers for its field resistance to RYMV. The response of cv. Bekarosaka to four pathotypes of RYMV was similar to that of cv. Gigante, the only other highly resistant indica cultivar. The sequence of the middle domain of the eIF(iso)4G, the genetic determinant of Rymv1 resistance on chromosome 4, of cv. Bekarosaka was similar to that of cv. Gigante. Subsequently, cvs Bekarosaka and Gigante probably carried the same resistance allele Rymv1-2. Rymv1-2 resistance was efficient against isolates of the major strains of RYMV, but was readily overcome by a pathotype from the northwest of Madagascar.

Survey and comparison of major intestinal flora in captive and wild ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) populations.

Abstract: A survey to identify the major intestinal species of aerobic bacteria, protozoa and helminths was conducted on captive and wild populations of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Samples were collected from 50 captive lemurs at 11 zoological institutions in the United States. In Madagascar, 98 aerobic bacteria samples and 99 parasite samples were collected from eight sites chosen to cover a variety of populations across the species range. Identical collection, preservation and lab techniques were used for captive and wild populations. The predominant types of aerobic bacteria flora were identified via five separate tests. The tests for parasites conducted included flotation, sedimentation and FA/GC. Twenty-seven bacteria unique to either the captive or wild populations were cultured with eight of these being statistically significantly different. Fourteen bacteria common to both populations were cultured, of which six differed significantly. Entamoeba coli was the only parasite common to both the captive and wild populations. Giardia spp., Isospora spp., strongyles-type ova, Entamoeba spp. and Entamoeba polecki were found only in captive samples. Cryptosporidium, Balantidium coli, pinworm-type ova, and two fluke-like ova were seen only in wild samples. In addition, samples were compared for both bacteria and parasites from three unique field sites in Madagascar. In this three-site comparison, six types of bacteria were statistically significantly different. No significant differences regarding parasites were seen. Significant differences were found between the captive and wild populations, whereas fewer differences were found between sites within Madagascar. Although we isolated Campylobacter and Giardia, all animals appeared clinically healthy.

Petrology of corundum-spinel-sapphirine-anorthite rocks (sakenites) from the type locality in southern Madagascar

Abstract: ‘Sakenites’ constitute a unique association of corundum-, spinel- and sapphirine-bearing anorthitic to phlogopitic rocks, first described in rocks from an exposure along the beds of the Sakena river to the NW of Ihosy, south Madagascar. The exposure has been revisited and subjected to a detailed petrological and geochemical study. The aluminous anorthitic rocks occur as boudinaged bands and lenses, closely associated with corundum-, spinel- and sapphirine-bearing phlogopitites, diverse calcsilicate rocks and marbles within a series of biotite-sillimanite-cordierite gneisses of the Ihosy granulite unit in the NW of the Pan-African Bongolava-Ranotsara shear zone. Bimineralic anorthite + corundum domains preserve the earliest record of a polyphasic evolutionary history that includes two distinct metasomatic episodes. Probable protoliths of these bimineralic rocks were kaolinite-rich sediments or calcareous bauxites that were altered by Ca or Si infiltration-metasomatism prior to or coeval with the development of the anorthite-corundum assemblage. P–T pseudosection modelling of metapelitic gneisses suggests peak-conditions around 800 °C and 6–7 kbar for the regional high-grade metamorphism and deformation in the NW part of the Bongolava-Ranotsara shear zone. The well-annealed granoblastic-polygonal textures indicate complete chemical and textural re-equilibration of the foliated bimineralic rocks during this event. Subsequently, at somewhat lower P–T conditions (750–700 °C, 6 kbar), the influx of Mg-, Si- and K-bearing fluids into the anorthite-corundum rocks caused significant metasomatic changes. In zones infiltrated by ‘primary’ potassic fluids, the bimineralic assemblage was completely replaced by phlogopite and Mg-Al minerals, thereby producing corundum-, spinel- and sapphirine-bearing phlogopitites. Further advance of the resulting ‘residual’ Mg- and Si-bearing fluids into anorthite-corundum domains led to partial to complete replacement of corundum porphyroblasts by spinel, spinel + sapphirine or sapphirine, depending on the activities of the solutes. The static textures developed during this second metasomatic episode suggest fluid influx subsequent to intense ductile deformation in the Bongolava-Ranotsara ductile shear zone c. 530–500 Ma ago.

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

Abstract: 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.

Resource shifts in Malagasy dung beetles: contrasting processes revealed by dissimilar spatial genetic patterns

Abstract: The endemic dung beetle subtribe Helictopleurina has 65 species mostly in wet forests in eastern Madagascar. There are no extant native ungulates in Madagascar, but three Helictopleurus species have shifted to the introduced cattle dung in open habitats in the past 1500 years. Helictopleurus neoamplicollis and Helictopleurus marsyas exhibit very limited cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 haplotype diversity and a single haplotype is present across Madagascar, suggesting that these species shifted to cattle dung in a small region followed by rapid range expansion. In contrast, patterns of molecular diversity in Helictopleurus quadripunctatus indicate a gradual diet shift across most of southern Madagascar, consistent with somewhat broader diet in this species. The three cattle dung-using Helictopleurus species have significantly greater geographical ranges than the forest-dwelling species, apparently because the shift to the currently very abundant new resource relaxed interspecific competition that hinders range expansion in the forest species.

Estimating the population size of an endangered shorebird, the Madagascar plover, using a habitat suitability model

Abstract: The Madagascar plover Charadrius thoracicus is a shorebird endemic to western Madagascar, currently classified as globally vulnerable. It is restricted to specialized wetland habitats that are increasingly threatened by humans. To inform future conservation measures for this poorly known species, we develop a predictive habitat suitability map and use this map to estimate the size of the Madagascar plover population. We integrate spatially referenced presence-only observations of Madagascar plovers with Landsat data, elevation data and measures of distance to settlements and the coast to produce a habitat suitability model using ecological niche factor analysis. Validation of this model using a receiver operating characteristic plot suggests that it is at least 84% accurate in predicting suitable sites. We then use our estimate of total area of suitable habitat above a critical suitability threshold and data on Madagascar plover density in suitable sites to estimate the total population size to derive a total population estimate of 3100 396 standard error individuals. Finally, we explore the conservation applications of our model.

Specific status of populations in the mascarene islands referred to mormopterus acetabulosus (chiroptera: molossidae), with description of a new species

Abstract: On the basis of molecular and morphological evidence, Mormopterus acetabulosus, hitherto considered an endemic to the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius and La Reunion), is shown to comprise 2 closely related taxa. The holotype of M. acetabulosus is from Mauritius and the new taxon described herein is from La Reunion. M. acetabulosus from Mauritius is notably larger than members of this genus from La Reunion, and several soft-part and cranial characters distinguish these 2 taxa. This conclusion is supported by examination of mitochondrial DNA control region data for 141 bats, which shows these 2 groups to be reciprocally monophyletic, separated by an average of 5.01% uncorrected sequence divergence. Two nuclear intron regions (7th intron of the beta fibrinogen gene and thyrotropin) also were included, but showed limited genetic variation and no fixed differences between the 2 taxa. These 2 species of Mormopterus are common on Mauritius and La Reunion, often living in caves or synanthropically, and are not considered a conservation concern.