Showing papers in "Folia Primatologica in 1998"
TL;DR: Data are presented on ring-tailed lemur feeding ecology and resource use at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in southwestern Madagascar.
Abstract: Data are presented on ring-tailed lemur feeding ecology and resource use at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in southwestern Madagascar. The phenological availability of food resources was sampled mo
139 citations
TL;DR: This paper aims to demonstrate the importance of knowing the carrier and removal status of canine coronavirus, as a source of infection for other animals, not necessarily belonging to the same breeds.
Abstract: 0015–5713/98/0692–0106$15.00/0 E-Mail karger@karger.ch Fax+ 41 61 306 12 34 This article is accessible online at: http://www.karger.ch http://BioMedNet.com/karger Prof. Elke Zimmermann Institute of Zoology, Tierarztliche Hochschule Hannover Bunteweg 17, D–30559 Hannover (Germany) Tel. 0511 953 8740, Fax 0511 953 8586 E-Mail ezimmer@zoologie.tiho-hannover.de Received: December 5, 1996 Accepted: January 3, 1997 Folia Primatol 1998;69:106–114 Brief Report
131 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that leaf colour is an important indicator of the nutritive value of leaves and trichromatic vision in catarrhine primates may have originally evolved for the detection of red coloration in the leaves of shade-tolerant tropical plants, enabling the better exploitation of a food resource.
Abstract: Leaf colour, size and toughness were investigated in five plant species important in the diet of Macaca fascicularis in Singapore. Leaf colour and size were examined as potential visual cues for food selection, whereas toughness mirrored fibre content, the inverse of food quality. As leaves matured, they changed colour and toughened. Leaf lightness and yellowness were strongly negatively correlated with toughness, but variation in both the red-green axis of the CIE Lab colour space and leaf size were not. Leaves selected as food by the macaques were distinguished by being very light, yellow to slightly green. Some leaves were dappled with red. The literature suggests that these leaves are relatively rich in protein without being tough and therefore would be sought after by primates. We argue that leaf colour is an important indicator of the nutritive value of leaves. Trichromatic vision is an important advantage in finding those palatable leaves that are dappled red. These would appear dark to dichromatic primates and be deceptive by making leaves look older (lower in quality) than they actually are. This would decrease the perceived window of feeding opportunity for such primates who would be at a disadvantage in trying to find these leaves. It is possible that trichromatic vision in catarrhine primates may have originally evolved for the detection of red coloration in the leaves of shade-tolerant tropical plants, enabling the better exploitation of a food resource.
126 citations
TL;DR: During the research project on etho-ecology of the pygmy chimpanzee in the Ikela region (Zaire), the authors had the opportunity to observe spontaneous pointing behaviour by this species.
Abstract: The adoption of pointing behaviour has been emphasised by researchers of human cognitive development as an act of communication prior to the appearance of language [1]. In human children, this behaviour first appears after about 12 months, although the capacity to understand directional signs from others appears a little later [2]. This apparently spontaneous behaviour has also been observed in chimpanzees in captivity (Pan troglodytes) in a social context, to attract the attention of the researcher or another chimpanzee [3, 4]. Chimpanzees can also be trained to do this, and Premack [5] used this as part of his experimental procedure, whereby one of several alternatives was indicated in order to solve a problem. Pointing behaviour is displayed most frequently by those chimpanzees who have undergone a prolonged training in a human environment and especially by pygmy chimpanzees in captivity [6]. During our research project [7–9] on etho-ecology of the pygmy chimpanzee in the Ikela region (Zaire), we had the opportunity to observe spontaneous pointing behaviour by this species:
124 citations
TL;DR: A new classification is proposed for the 30 genera of adapiforms, containing three families: Notharctidae, Adapidae and Sivaladapidae; and one subfamily of uncertain affinities, the new Pronycticebinae, which is based on the particular characters of the skull of PronYcticebus gaudryi, and four genera are proposed as adapids outside the European adapine radiation.
Abstract: The systematics of all adapiforms is reviewed at the generic and specific levels. A new classification is proposed for the 30 genera of adapiforms, containing three families: Notharctidae, Adapidae an
118 citations
TL;DR: By specializing on two different foraging modes early in their radiation, lorisines and galagines subsequently underwent a chain of integrated evolutionary changes eventually having an impact on many components of locomotor behavior, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, life history, and social behavior.
Abstract: We integrate information from the fossil record, morphology, behavior and molecular studies to provide a current overview of lorisoid evolution. Several Eocene prosimians of the northern continents, i
100 citations
TL;DR: Information from the three field studies on group size, diet and activity pattern is presented and threats to H. griseus alaotrensis are presented.
Abstract: The Alaotran gentle lemur Hapalemur griseus alaotrensis is a poorly known primate found in the reed and papyrus beds around Lac Alaotra, Madagascar. Because of its restricted distribution, which does not contain any protected areas, it was classified as of highest conservation priority in the Lemur Action Plan [1]. Little is known about this taxon, it having been studied only briefly in 1969 [2] and 1984 [3]. These studies were based on limited direct observation and most information was derived from interviews with local people. In order to find out more about the lemur, in particular what its conservation and population status really were, two field studies were carried out in the wet (March–April) and dry seasons (October–November) of 1993 [4, 5], followed by a 6month study from February to August 1994 [6]. Information on distribution, population size, conservation status [7, 8] and threats to H. griseus alaotrensis [9] has already been published. In this paper, we present information from the three studies on group size, diet and activity pattern.
92 citations
TL;DR: The acquisition and transmission of new feeding behaviours in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) such as sweet potato washing, wheat washing, and caramel eating have been studied as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The acquisition and transmission of new feeding behaviours in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) such as sweet potato washing [1, 2], wheat washing [2] and caramel eating [3, 4] hav
91 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The internal structure of such lemur groups differs from the more extensive kin groups of catarrhines, which may relate to the lemurs’ level of social intelligence and to lemur female dominance over males.
Abstract: Lemur societies have been described as convergent with those of anthropoids, including Papio-like female-bonded multi-male groups. Recent research, however, shows at least 5 pair-bonded species among the Lemuridae and Indriidae. Three more, Eulemur mongoz, Eulemur fulvus and Varecia variegata, have societies combining aspects of pairing with aspects of troop life. The best-known female-bonded societies, those of Lemur catta, Propithecus diadema edwardsi and Propithecus verreauxi, may be assemblages of mother-daughter dyads, capable of high aggression towards other females, but derived from more solitary female ancestors, perhaps also living as pairs. The internal structure of such lemur groups differs from the more extensive kin groups of catarrhines. This in turn may relate to the lemurs’ level of social intelligence and to lemur female dominance over males.
89 citations
TL;DR: In mouse lemurs, a combination of olfactory and acoustical signals can serve as multimodal oestrus advertisement, and females showed significantly increased locomotor activity, scent marking behaviour and changes in self-grooming activity only on the day of Oestrus.
Abstract: Females of many simian primates have evolved distinct signals to advertise their oestrus. Until recently little was known about oestrus advertisement in prosimians. In this paper, we present data on t
82 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the energetic costs of locomotion in five nocturnal, saltatory prosimians were investigated using data on nightly travel distance, locomotor frequencies, distance and height change in each locomotor mode.
Abstract: We report the energetic costs of locomotion in five nocturnal, saltatory prosimians. Using data on nightly travel distance, locomotor frequencies, distance and height change in each locomotor mode, we
TL;DR: Lemur societies have been described as convergent with those of anthropoids, including Papio-like female-bonded multi-male groups as discussed by the authors, and they have been found to have at least 5 pair-bo
Abstract: Lemur societies have been described as convergent with those of anthropoids, including Papio- like female-bonded multi-male groups. Recent research, however, shows at least 5 pair-bo
TL;DR: This species appears to cope with a poor quality diet through inactivity which increases during times of thermoregulatory stress.
Abstract: Lepilemur leucopus was the subject of an 11-month field study at Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Radio-tracking provided point samples of activities and foods eaten for the 5 subjects (4 males, 1 female) across the hot, wet season and the cool, dry season. Across all seasons and animals, about 50% of the time was spent resting and/or self-grooming and about 30% of the time feeding. The majority of foods eaten were leaves and species diversity of the diet was low. During the cooler season, all 5 subjects rested significantly more and travelled significantly less than in the warmer season. Across seasons, feeding time did not change significantly. This species appears to cope with a poor quality diet through inactivity which increases during times of thermoregulatory stress. Substrates used were primarily more vertical and of small (
TL;DR: It is postulate that differences in the acoustic pattern of the advertisement call of male mouse lemurs from two neighbouring demes in a dry deciduous forest of western Madagascar are comparable to dialects in birds, because demes were morphologically and genetically indistinguishable and no barrier prevented genetic exchange between them.
Abstract: Sexual advertisement calls of male mouse lemurs from two neighbouring demes in a dry deciduous forest of western Madagascar were recorded during the breeding season. Demes were located about 1.5 km apart with no geographic barrier between them. They were characterised morphometrically and genotyped by RAPD fingerprinting. According to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, demes differed neither in body measurements, nor in the banding patterns produced by RAPD fingerprinting. The acoustic pattern of the advertisement call, however, showed significant differences: Six variables of the frequency and time domain differed between the demes. Discriminant function analysis revealed that one variable, total call duration, was sufficient to classify more than 89% of the calls correctly to the corresponding deme. We postulate that these differences are comparable to dialects in birds, because demes were morphologically and genetically indistinguishable and no barrier prevented genetic exchange between them. Possible explanations for the emergence of dialects in a prosimian species are outlined.
TL;DR: The monthly daytime and night-time diet, activity and feeding height of an habituated black lemur group were compared by ‘auditory group sampling’ for a total of 561 daytime hours and 472 night- time hours.
Abstract: The monthly daytime and night-time diet, activity and feeding height of an habituated black lemur group were compared by ‘auditory group sampling’ for a total of 561 daytime hours and 472 night-time h
TL;DR: Differences between the sexes in seasonal changes in body mass, and in numbers of each sex caught, indicate that males and females have different activity patterns during the dry period, when food availability is restricted.
Abstract: The main aim of this field study was to compare adult male and female grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus) with respect to body size, seasonal changes in body mass, onset of repro
TL;DR: A 15-month field study of Eulemur macaco macaco socioecology at Ambato Massif revealed year-round cathemeral activity with both daily and seasonal rhythms of diurnal behavior.
Abstract: A 15-month field study of Eulemur macaco macaco socioecology at Ambato Massif revealed year-round cathemeral activity. There were both daily and seasonal rhythms of diurnal behavior
TL;DR: Primate surveys were conducted in isolated primary west Malagasy decidous forest blocks around Baly Bay, north-western Madagascar, finding eight species, including Microcebus c.f. myoxinus, Hapalemur griseus occidentalis and Phaner furcifer, which may mean that other forest blocks in the area have experienced primate extinctions.
Abstract: Primate surveys were conducted in isolated primary west Malagasy decidous forest blocks around Baly Bay, north-western Madagascar. Eight species of primate were found, including Microcebus c.f. myoxinus, Hapalemur griseus occidentalis and Phaner furcifer. Two species were found only in Namoroka Strict Nature Reserve, which may mean that other forest blocks in the area have experienced primate extinctions. The record of M. c.f. myoxinus came from mangrove, the first confirmed record of a lemur from this habitat. The pelage of female Eulemur fulvus rufus was atypical.
TL;DR: An incident of snake predation on the gentle bamboo lemur (Hapalemurgriseus griseus) is reported, which is believed to be the first report of its kind in the world.
Abstract: Over the past decade it has become abundantly clear that levels of predation on lemurs are much higher than previously surmised. These predators vary from large carnivores (Cryptoprocta ferox) that prey on large diurnal and medium-sized nocturnal primates [1–3], smaller diurnal carnivores (e.g. Galidia elegans) that take nocturnal primates from day nests [4, 5], and diurnal birds of prey (e.g. Polyboroides radiatus, Buteo brachypterus, Accipiter henstii) that feed on both nocturnal and diurnal lemurs [4, 6, 7] to nocturnal owls (e.g. Tyto alba, T. soumagnei, Asio madagascariensis) that feed on small to medium-sized nocturnal primates [8, 9]. In addition, snakes, particularly boa constrictors, have been reported to feed on Malagasy prosimians [4, 5], although well documented acts of predation are few. Herein we report an incident of snake predation on the gentle bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus griseus).
TL;DR: The results indicate that ripe fruit was regularly eaten throughout the study period and that diet composition was significantly related to the overall availability of ripe fruit sources.
Abstract: The diet and feeding behaviour of an habituated group of free-ranging spider monkeys (Ateles belzebuth belzebuth) were studied from 1987 to 1989. Their dietary patterns were analysed in relation to the temporal and spatial distribution of food resources. The results indicate that ripe fruit was regularly eaten throughout the study period and that diet composition was significantly related to the overall availability of ripe fruit sources.
TL;DR: It is proposed that this asymmetrical differentiation of sweet and bitter taste discrimination reflects divergent evolutionary trends for meeting energy requirements and for avoiding noxious substances.
Abstract: The adaptive nature of taste discrimination has been questioned on the basis that marked differences in taste thresholds for soluble sugars across mammals may not correspond to distinct dietary tendencies and further imply inaccurate prediction of the energetic value of food. Appropriate models of the evolution of taste, however, require not only consideration of adaptations to diet but also recognition of phylogenetic and allometric effects. Here, we analyse these factors in primates exhibiting various diets and covering a wide range of body weights. Taste thresholds for sucrose and fructose are negatively related to body weight overall but are commonly similar in closely related species irrespective of dietary specialisations. By contrast, major interspecific differences in the discrimination of quinine hydrochloride are observed in the absence of any allometric effect. We propose that this asymmetrical differentiation of sweet and bitter taste discrimination reflects divergent evolutionary trends for meeting energy requirements and for avoiding noxious substances.
TL;DR: The ecological model of van Schaik does not provide an adequate explanation for the egalitarian relations among female moor macaques, and differences of dominance styles seemed to be found most apparently in intragroup spacing during feeding.
Abstract: Field observations were made of the social behaviour of moor macaques (Macaca maurus), one of several species of macaques that live in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The present study was designed to characterise the expression of their relaxed dominance style among females in their natural habitat and to examine the factors influencing the evolution of the dominance style. The dominance rank order among adult females in the study group was linear, and it was essentially stable during the study period of 4 years. Intense aggression, including biting, was rare. Few interventions in agonistic interactions by a third individual were observed. Social relationships among adult females appeared to be egalitarian but nepotistic. During moving or feeding, encounters within 1 m between adult females were frequently observed and approaches by subordinates were not infrequent. Intragroup spacing patterns during moving or feeding and those during resting were not correlated. In wild groups, differences of dominance styles seemed to be found most apparently in intragroup spacing during feeding. The ecological model of van Schaik does not provide an adequate explanation for the egalitarian relations among female moor macaques.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the social organization of lemurs in the genus Cheirogaleus, C. major and C. mediushas, and determined individual ranges with a maximal diameter of 200 m and a population density of 300-400 animals/km.
Abstract: Key WordsLemuriformes · Madagascar · Nocturnal prosimians · Cheirogaleus medius ·Dwarf lemur · Radio-tracking · Social organisation · Solitary speciesIntroductionBoth currently recognised species of the genus Cheirogaleus, C. majorand C.medius, are notable for seasonal storage of fat (especially in the tail) and for extendedtorpor phases during the austral winter, i.e. the dry season [1, 2]. The fat-tailed dwarflemur, C. medius, has been reported to hibernate for 6–8 months and such a longperiod would inevitably have a major influence on social organisation [2]. Firstly, theanimals have only a few months to reproduce and rear offspring. Secondly, the ani-mals have to ensure sufficient fat storage to survive during the following dry season.To date, knowledge of the ecology and behaviour of C. mediushas been based onoccasional field observations [1–3], a few longer-term studies [4], investigations incaptivity [for citations see 2, 5, 6] and zoo reports [7], but social organisation has sofar been poorly documented [2, 8].Inferences concerning the social organisation of nocturnal prosimians can bemade from range overlap between individuals, associations within ranges (at particu-lar sleeping sites) and patterns of dispersal of individuals from their natal areas [9].For C. medius , Hladik et al. [4] determined individual ranges with a maximal diameterof 200 m and a population density of 300–400 animals/km
TL;DR: Results from this study indicate that spectral tarsiers are still relatively abundant at Tangkoko Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, Nonetheless, the limited geographic distribution of this species, the lack of information on its relative abundance in other areas of its range, as well as the high rate of habitat disturbance throughout its range suggests that the conservation status of the spectralTarsier should be changed from indeterminate to vulnerable.
Abstract: As part of a larger study of the behavioral ecology of the spectral tarsier, Tarsius spectrum, a population census was conducted. A modified form of the fixed point count and quadra
TL;DR: A new, radio-telemetered accelerometer collar that continuously monitors the acceleration of the animal and the patterns of acceleration have been analysed with reference to the observed behaviour to assess how well particular locomotor behaviours are identified.
Abstract: Knowledge of locomotor budgets is useful both for ecological studies and for the evaluation of captive conditions. The traditional method of obtaining these data involves many hours of observing the animals, which is time-consuming and not always practical (especially for nocturnal prosimians). In addition, it is often very inaccurate, due to problems with timing and with animals being hidden from view for significant periods [1]. Accelerometry is a standard locomotor analysis technique [2], but it has not been particularly popular due to problems of the cost of the equipment and the encumbrance of the sensors [3]. We have designed a new, radio-telemetered accelerometer collar that continuously monitors the acceleration of the animal. The collar uses car air-bag technology, to bring down the unit costs, requires no license in the UK and weighs just under 100 g – with most of this weight being due to batteries. Data are recorded directly onto the hard disk of a portable computer. This pilot study was carried out on a mongoose lemur (Eulemur mongoz) at Bristol Zoo. Observations and acceleration recordings were made simultaneously. The behavioural observations employed a simple event recorder system linked with the same computer that was recording the accelerometer data to ensure synchronous recordings. The patterns of acceleration have been analysed with reference to the observed behaviour to assess how well particular locomotor behaviours are identified.
TL;DR: The behavioural responses of the test subjects to playback of the various duets suggest that T. spectrum is unlikely to interbreed with either T. dianae or with the Togian tarsiers, and this not only confirms the taxonomic differentiation between T. Spectrum and T. Dianae, but also supports the specific status of the Togsians.
Abstract: Recent work on the tarsiers of Sulawesi indicates that the degree of species differentiation is greater than has hitherto been thought. This is indicated by the acoustic differences between the vocal duets of mated pairs of Tarsius spectrum, Tarsius dianae and tarsiers from the Togian Islands (Tomini Bay, Sulawesi). This paper presents further evidence of taxonomic differentiation, based on the vocal behaviour shown during playback experiments. Six adult T. spectrum, kept in captivity, were stimulated by the playback of duets of their own species, those of T. dianae and those of Togian tarsiers. The results show that T. spectrum discriminates between the vocalizations of conspecifics and heterospecifics. The behavioural responses of the test subjects to playback of the various duets suggest that T. spectrum is unlikely to interbreed with either T. dianae or with the Togian tarsiers. This not only confirms the taxonomic differentiation between T. spectrum and T. dianae, but also supports the specific status of the Togian tarsiers.
TL;DR: On the basis of the smaller body size of Np, it was predicted that the reproductive parameters of the two species would be different, with the Np values less than those for Nc.
Abstract: Based on morphological information, the genus Nycticebus has been described in the past as monospecific, comprising one species, Nycticebus coucang [1, 2]. Others have recognized two species for this genus: Nycticebus coucang (Nc) and Nycticebus pygmaeus (Np), based on morphology and chromosomes [3–5]. The two species share overlapping ranges in Vietnam, Laos, and southern China [3, 6], but are thought to be reproductively isolated [3]. The two species have not been compared in terms of their reproductive parameters. On the basis of the smaller body size of Np, it was predicted that the reproductive parameters of the two species would be different, with the Np values less than those for Nc.