Sportive lemurs

Lepilemuridae

Class Mammalia

Order Primates

Family Lepilemuridae

Thumbnail description
Often raises its hands when threatened by a transgressor, like a boxer who is in defense against an opponent's attack; nocturnal, arboreal, and medium-sized for lemurs; and possess long tails and binocular vision and they are distinguished amongst themselves in large part due to each species' unique chromosomes that were scientifically identified through cytogenetic (chromosome) studies

Size
Head and body length: 9.8–13.8 in (25.0–35.0 cm); tail length: 9.8–12.0 in (25.0–30.5 cm); weight 1.1–2.2 lb (0.5–1.0 kg)

Number of genera, species
Extinct: 1 genus, 3 species; Extant: 1 genus; 7 species

Habitat
Dry deciduous and tropical rainforests

Conservation status
Vulnerable: 2 species; Lower Risk/Near Threatened: 5 species

Distribution
Restricted to the island of Madagascar

Evolution and systematics

There is one extinct genus Megaladapis, or koala lemur, within the family Lepilemuridae, and within that extinct genus there are three extinct species Megaladapis madagascariensis, M. edwardsi, and M. grandidieri. Megaladapis grandidieri was known to exist (from subfossil material) from Ampasambazimba in central Madagascar, while M. madagascariensis and M. edwardsi were known to exist from southwestern and southern Madagascar.

Koala lemurs were very impressive during their time because, according to fossil skulls that have been found, their skulls were as large as that of the skull of an ass; and with a deduced head and body weight of 88–176 lb (40–80 kg). Such subfossil remains have been found during the last quarter of the twentieth century at sites in Madagascar, and date back (with radiocarbon dating procedures) about 600–3,000 years ago. Humans began to populate Madagascar during this period, moving in with domestic livestock. This put environmental pressure on the koala lemurs with respect to reduced natural forest habitat and a very aggressive human predator (they were earlier evolving without predators). In addition, drought was believed to have increased pressures during this time with respect to them. Koala lemurs probably became extinct sometime prior to the arrival of Europeans during the 1500s. In 1982 Tattersall indicated a similarity between the koala lemur and the prosimian ("primitive ape") family Adapidae of the Eocene Epoch (55–38 million years ago) of Europe.

From cranial and postcranial morphology, the locomotion and lifestyle of koala lemurs were similar to that of Phascolarctos, the living koalas of Australia. The skull was very large in relation to the short, bulky postcranial skeleton; and relatively narrow, greatly elongated, and resembling the skull of a pig. Cranial length of Megaladapis grandidieri was 10.8–11.8 in (27.3–30.0 cm), while the length of M. madagascariensis was 9.3–9.6 in (23.5–24.4 cm). Both species' postcranial specializations suggested that they had a greater flexibility of their limbs and most likely a more distinct arboreal (tree climbing) adaptation than M. edwardsi. Hind limb suspension was in all likelihood an important behavior of both animals. Cranial length

of M. edwardsi was 10.9–12.5 in (27.7–31.7 cm); it possessed one of the largest sized cranial lengths of known prosimians.

The facial area of koala lemurs was long, the orbits divergent, the auditory bullae flat, and the braincase very small. The long nasal bones projected well past the anterior end of the palate; this feature tends to indicate to researchers that they had a moveable snout when alive. The zygomatic arches (the bone bar that connects the cheekbone with the temporal bone on the side of the skull) were massive, and there were strong nuchal (with respect to the nape of the neck) and sagittal (with respect to the suture at the top of the skull) crests. The foramen magnum (the opening at the base of the skull) was rotated back onto the posterior surface of the skull so that it faced forward when the species stood on all four feet. The occipital condyles (the knobs on each side of the foramen magnum) were oriented perpendicularly to the cranial base. Adults had no upper incisor teeth, instead had bony ridges that suggested a horny pad (similar to some ungulate herbivores). The large molars were complex cusps and increased in size from the front to the rear.

Hands and feet were extraordinarily long, but the legs were relatively short. The forelimbs were longer than the hind limbs, and all four powerful legs were somewhat curved, shaped for grasping. They clung to tree trunks and branches with all forelimbs, and moved upward with a series of short hops. Koala lemurs crossed to neighboring trees with short leaps. They fed by cropping leaves pulled by its forelimbs that were within easy reach of the mouth.

The living genus Lepilemur had for a long time been placed in the family Lemuridae. However, according to Rumpler (1975), Rumpler and Albignac (1975), and Petter and Petter-Rousseaux (1979), systematic investigations, which included cytogenetics (the scientific study of chromosomes), showed

that it represented a separate family and, therefore, took the family name Lepilemuridae. Later research by Buettner-Janusch and Tattersall (1985) and Tattersall (1982 and 1986) indicated that Lepilemur belonged in the same family as the extinct Megaladapis and, therefore, the family name was indicated to be Megaladapidae. Several studies in the late 1980s and early 1990s conflicted as to which family (Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, or Megaladapidae) Lepilemur should be placed. (It is the contention of the experts collaborating on this publication that the extinct genus Megaladapis and the extant genus Lepilemur will be placed in the family Lepilemuridae.)

Physical characteristics

Sportive lemurs, sometimes also called weasel lemurs, have a head and body length of 9.8–13.8 in (25.0–35.0 cm), with a tail length of 9.8–12.0 in (25.0–30.5 cm) and a body weight of 1.1–2.2 lb (0.5–1.0 kg). Tails are longer than the head and body in some species, but shorter in other species. The seven species of sportive lemurs are outwardly quite similar to each other, but because of different chromosome patterns they are each considered distinctive species.

Each species possess woolly, dense fur that is usually colored in shades of red and mixed with gray and/or brown. The upper (dorsal) parts are rufous (reddish brown), gray, or brown, while the under (ventral) parts are yellowish white or pale gray. Some of the species have a long spinal stripe from the head to the base of the tail. The hind limbs are considerably longer than the forelimbs, adapted specifically to meet their mode of locomotion of vertically leaping and hopping. The feet are only slightly elongated, with the fourth and fifth toes being the longest. They have a prehensile thumb, which is semi-opposable; being able to, for example, strongly grip onto vertical branches. The large nails of the toes are flat; except for the nails of the great toes, which are ridged. The short head is conical (pointed) and the ears are large, round, and membranous. In the skull there is a median vertical articular (jointed) area and a transverse articular surface of the mandible. Adults lose their upper incisor teeth at a very early age, so during adulthood they normally have 32 teeth. The premolars widen out from front to rear, and as reported by researchers: "the upper molars display buccal cingula and parastyles, lingual buttressing of the paracones and metacones, and distal displacement of their lingual moieties." Sportive lemurs have a dental comb in which their lower front teeth are fused and tilted forward, providing a tool that helps to groom their fur.

Distribution

Sportive lemurs are confined to the island of Madagascar, which is off the east coast of Africa.

Habitat

Most habitation occurs in forest lands from the evergreen forests on the east coast of Madagascar to the hot, dry forests of the southwestern part of the country. They are basically solitary while in their habitat, but their population densities

can be quite high. Males have larger territories than females, and the territory of a male usually overlaps that of several females. Members of the same sex defend territories against one another by using vocalizations, chases, and fights to drive out trespassers and transgressors.

Behavior

They are strictly nocturnal and arboreal forest dwellers; often gathering from their individual hiding places in sometimes large groups during the hours of twilight and darkness in order to proceed to their separate feeding places. Daytime is usually spent curled up in a ball asleep in a hollow tree, thick foliage, vines, or other similar hiding places. Their sleeping hole or nest may be used for years. In the afternoon, they often stick their heads out of their hiding place, and sit dozing for hours. An exception to this occurs on Nosy Be where the species Lepilemur dorsalis (gray-backed sportive lemur) often sleeps out in the open because of a lack of predators. Socially, each species of sportive lemurs live basically solitary lives in their single territories except for mothers with their infants. Some marking of territories occur with urine and the secretion from glands in the circumanal (posterior) region. Males inhabit and vigorously defend territories (from other sportive lemur neighbors of the same sex) of about

30,000 sq ft (3,000 sq m), but which can go up to 107,000 sq ft (10,000 sq m). These territories are in the immediate over-lapping vicinity to one or more females who roam territories of about 20,000 sq ft (2,000 sq m).

Their primary means of communication is a relatively large vocal repertoire. Locomotion is by vertical clinging and leaping, quickly moving among vertical tree trunks and boughs with occasional bipedal hops (similar to the movement used by kangaroos) on the ground. They are able to leap with the powerful extension of their hind limbs. They are also able to run on all four limbs, or hop on their two hind limbs, either along the branches of a tree or on the ground. The tail is not important for balancing.

Feeding ecology and diet

Sportive lemurs are folivorous (that is, feeding mostly on leaves) but also eating flowers, bark, and fruit. They are distinctive from other lemurs in being able to process difficult to digest foods, having developed special organic adaptations for the processing of these types of foods. They will also infrequently eat hard leaves of the cactus-like plant Alluaudia, which is partially digested in the cecum, and then eliminated and re-ingested (which is called cecotrophy).

Reproductive biology

Mating season for these animals is May-July. Calls of mating animals are often heard as they chase each other. An offspring of one is born in September-October, and is quite well developed and fairly active immediately after birthing. Mothers have been observed carrying their young in their mouths as they leap from tree to tree. After about one month the young will begin to forage for themselves, and by about two and one-half months they will no longer be directly dependent on their mothers for protection and food. However, the young will continue to stay with their mothers until the next generation of babies are born.

Conservation status

All seven species are listed in CITES Appendix I; the U.S. Endangered Species Act classifies all seven species as endangered; the IUCN classifies two species as Vulnerable and five as Lower Risk/Near Threatened; and the U.S. Department of the Interior lists all species as endangered.

All of these animals are threatened by loss of forest habitat by the continuing use of what is called "slash-and-burn" agriculture, which encourages the burning of forests for the clearing of settlements and for the use in farming. As a result, the growth of pastures and the overgrazing by cattle and goats continue to place increasing pressures on the habitat of all sportive lemurs in various degrees. Most, if not all, species are also hunted for food.

Significance to humans

There has been little success in raising them in zoos. They have lived for less than one year at the Jardin des Plantes Zoo in Paris, France, and at the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania (United States). A breeding program has been set up at the Tananarive Zoo, now the Antananarivo Zoo, in Madagascar, but even it has not been successful at keeping them over long periods of time. The meat of the sportive lemur is sometimes eaten by locals, who like its taste (probably because of the animal's vegetable diet).

Species accounts

List of Species

Gray-backed sportive lemur

Lepilemur dorsalis

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur dorsalis Gray, 1870, northwestern Madagascar.

other common names

Spanish: Lémur juguetón de lomo gris.

physical characteristics

Gray-backed sportive lemurs have a head and body length of 9.8–10.2 in (25.0–26.0 cm), with a tail length of 10.2–10.6 in (26.0–27.0 cm) and an average body weight of 1.1 lb (0.5 kg). They have binocular vision, and hands and feet containing large digital pads that are used for clinging. The upper (dorsal) parts of the animal are colored medium to dark brown and its lower (ventral) parts are colored a more pale brown.

distribution

The extreme northwestern part of Madagascar, especially on Nosy Be Island and in the region of Sambirano.

habitat

Evergreen rainforests and moist deciduous forest.

behavior

The gray-backed sportive lemur is arboreal and nocturnal. They often sleep in tropical vines, foliage, and hollow trees, and sometimes even out in the open. They move through the

forest by vertical clinging and leaping. The social system is based around mothers and their offspring. Males live solitarily, and have home ranges that overlap one or more females. Mothers will leave their young on branches while they go off to forage for food. All animals are highly territorial, with males sometimes defending their territory with violent means.

Communication comes with various sounds, but with three primary calls. The "loud" calls are used most often as male territorial calls, to mark off a male's territory and to advise other males that an area is already occupied. The sounds start out as a series of harsh "hein" calls, then is often followed by high-pitched "hee" calls. Both calls can be also sounded individually. Mothers often use a "contact" call, which sounds similar to a loud kiss, in order to keep in contact with their infants that are placed on tree branches as they forage for food. The "contactrejection" call often occurs when an individual approaches another one. It consists of a series of resonant hissing calls, which is followed by a two-phase vocalization.

feeding ecology and diet

The species is primarily folivorous (leaf-eating), but also eats fruit and bark in order to supplement their diet. They are cecotrophy, meaning the species re-ingests their feces in order to further break down the cellulose in leaves.

reproductive biology

The species has a polygynous mating system, where one male will visit various females during the breeding season. Female gray-backed sportive lemurs give birth to a single offspring each year. The babies are usually born between August and November.

conservation status

Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). Total populations are estimated to number 10,000–100,000.

significance to humans

None known.

Red-tailed sportive lemur

Lepilemur ruficaudatus

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur ruficaudatus A. Grandidier, 1867, Morondara, Madagascar.

other common names

French: Petit lépilémur; Spanish: Lémur juguetón de cola roja.

physical characteristics

Red-tailed sportive lemurs have a head and body length of about 11.0 (28.0 cm), with a tail length of 9.8–10.2 in (25.0–26.0 cm) and a fluctuating weight of 1.3–2.0 lb (0.6–0.9 kg). They are arboreal and nocturnal, and possess binocular

vision, a large cecum, and large digital pads on its hands and feet that are used for clinging. Its dorsal side is light gray-brown in coloration with red-brown color on its front (anterior) side and light gray or white on its under parts. It travels through the forest by vertical clinging and leaping.

distribution

Southwestern Madagascar, in the region of Morondava and ending at its southern border along the Onilahy river.

habitat

They live in dry forests. The population density of the species is 180–350 animals per 0.4 sq mi (1.0 sq km).

behavior

The social structure of the species is based around mothers and their young. Males live alone and have home ranges that overlap one or more females. Mothers often will leave their young on branches, while they go off to forage for food. For the first few weeks of life, mothers will transport the young by picking them up in their mouths. All animals are highly territorial, with the males sometimes defending their territory with violent means.

Communication comes with various sounds, but with two primary calls. The "loud" calls are used frequently as male territorial calls, to demarcate a male's territory and to advise other males that an area is already taken. The call sounds like "boako-boako," and is sometimes preceded by grunts. The "contact-rejection" call often occurs when an individual approaches another one. It consists of a series of resonant hissing calls, which is followed by a two-phase vocalization.

feeding ecology and diet

Red-tailed sportive lemurs are primarily folivorous animals (eating mostly tender leaves), but they also eat fruits. During summers the fruits from the Diospyros spp. are often eaten. The species is also a cecotroph, re-digesting their feces in order to break down the cellulose in the already eaten leaves.

reproductive biology

The mating system is polygynous, where a male will visit one or more females during the mating season. The mating season begins around May. Females give birth to a single offspring each year, with the young normally born between September and November. The young become independent of their mothers at around one year of age.

conservation status

Listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. ESA. Total populations are estimated to number 10,000–100,000, and the species is threatened with destruction of its habitat.

significance to humans

Hunted for food.

Milne-Edwards's sportive lemur

Lepilemur edwardsi

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur edwardsi (Forbes, 1894), Betsaka, Madagascar, 12 mi (19.3 km) inland from Majunga.

other common names

Spanish: Lémur juguetón de Milne-Edwards.

physical characteristics

Milne-Edwards's sportive lemurs have a head and body length of 10.6–11.4 in (27.0–29.0 cm), with a tail length of 10.6–11.4 in (27.0–29.0 cm) and an approximate weight of 2.2 lb (1.0 kg). They are arboreal and nocturnal, and possess binocular vision, a large cecum, and their hands and feet contain large digital pads that are used for clinging. The species has a pelage color that is gray-brown on the dorsal side with a reddish brown wash and gray ventrally speckled with cream colorations.

distribution

West-central Madagascar.

habitat

They live in dry forests. The population density of the species is about 57 animals per 0.4 sq mi (1.0 sq km). Their home ranges are relatively small.

behavior

The social structure of the species is based around mothers and their young. Males live alone and have home ranges that overlap one or more females. Mothers often will leave their young on branches, while they forage for food. Mothers will transport their several week old young by picking them up in their mouths. All animals are highly territorial, with the males sometimes defending their territory in violent means. Two or three individuals may sleep together in a tree hole by day, but will roam separately by night. They move through the forest by vertical clinging and leaping, tending to leap between tree limbs with sloping and horizontal supports. They are able to leap distances of 13 ft (4 m) or more.

Communication comes with various sounds, but with three primary calls. The "loud" calls are used more often as male territorial calls, to demarcate a male's territory and to caution other males that an area is taken. The call sounds similar to a crow, starting out like "oooai," and then followed by a rapid series of "oui oui oui" sounds. Mothers often use the "contact" call in order to keep in contact with their infants that are set on tree branches as they forage for food. The call sounds like "tchen". The "contact-rejection" call often occurs when an individual approaches another one. It consists of a series of resonant hissing calls, which is followed by a two-phase vocalization.

feeding ecology and diet

Milne-Edwards's sportive lemurs are primarily a folivorous (leaf eating) species. It also eats a small amount of fruits and flowers in order to supplement its diet. It will also eat older leaves and even dead or dying leaves of Tabemaemontana modesta. The animals forage for various types of foods that are found relatively close together. The leaves that they consume are relatively low in available sugars, which mean it has a low energy diet. This diet contributes to a small home range because of its reduced thermoregulation levels. It is also a cecotroph, re-digesting their feces in order to further break down the cellulose in the leaves.

reproductive biology

The mating system is polygynous, where a male will visit one or more females during the mating season. Females give birth to a single young.

conservation status

Listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. ESA. Total populations are estimated to number more than 100,000, and the species is threatened with destruction of its habitat.

significance to humans

Hunted for food.

White-footed sportive lemur

Lepilemur leucopus

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur leucopus Major, 1894, Fort Dauphin (Bevilany), Madagascar.

other common names

English: White-footed weasel lemur; Spanish: Lémur Juguetón de patas blancas.

physical characteristics

White-footed sportive lemurs have a head and body length of about 9.8 in (25.0 cm), with a tail length of about 9.8 in (25.0 cm) and weight of 19.2–20.5 oz (544–580 g). They have binocular vision (with large eyes), large prominent ears, a large cecum, and large digital pads on their hands and feet for clinging. This species has a pelage color that is medium to light gray on the dorsal side and white to very pale gray on the ventral side. The tail is very light brown in color.

distribution

Extreme southern Madagascar; primarily in the Didiereaceae forest (spiny desert) and gallery forest.

habitat

They live in the vegetation next to rivers, all within the regions of the spiny desert and gallery forest. The population density is 200–810 animals per 0.4 sq mi (1.0 sq km). Home ranges are small but appear to coincide with well-defined, stable territories of the females. The home range of the female averages about 0.44 acres (0.18 hectares), but can range from 0.37–0.79 (0.15–0.32 hectares). Male home ranges average 0.74 acres (0.30 hectares), but can range from 0.49–1.14 acres (0.20–0.46 hectares). The home range of a large male may overlap the ranges of up to five females, but a small male's home range may only overlap the ranges of 1–2 females. Adult females who share ranges and males within the ranges of other females will sometimes forage together during the night. Such mates will often groom each other as a social activity, which is preceded by nose touching and followed by a period of rest; mothers and their offspring perform the activity most often.

behavior

They are an arboreal and nocturnal species; and basically solitary, but some contact may be present among related females. They sleep in nests within tropical vines, on branches, and sometimes in hollow trees. Often in the afternoons, they will poke their heads out of their hole or nest while they doze off and on during the rest of the day. Territorial defense against members of the same sex is very aggressive, and often occupies a large part of the nighttime activities. They often spend many hours observing their home range (and neighbors) from a high branch in order to protect their home range from invaders. Defense tactics include visual displays, vocalizations, chases, and on occasion severe fights.

Vocalizations can include a range of weak squeals to powerful, high-pitched sounds (the male can sometimes sound like a crow); with purposes including communication and territorial protection. The "loud" calls are used more often as male territorial calls, to demarcate a male's territory and to advise other males that an area is taken. The sounds start out as a series of harsh "hein" calls, and then followed by high-pitched "hee" type calls. Both calls can be also sounded separately. Mothers often use the "contact" call in order to keep in contact with their infants that are set on tree branches as they forage for food. The "contact-rejection" call often occurs when an individual approaches another one. It consists of a series of resonant hissing calls, which is followed by a two-phase vocalization.

White-footed sportive lemurs move through the forest by vertical clinging and leaping. This species is more unique in its locomotion than the other species in that is uses more oblique and vertical supports, and substrates that are 16.4–49.2 ft (5.0–15.0 m) in height.

feeding ecology and diet

Primarily it is a folivorous species. Unlike the other species in the family, this species feeds primarily on thick, juicy leaves (mostly from the species Tamarindus indica and Euphorbia tiruculli) and various vine species. It is also a cecotroph, which means it will often re-ingest part of their fecal material in order to further break down the cellulose in the previously eaten leaves. The diet of the white-footed sportive lemur does not change from the different seasons of its habitat in Madagascar.

reproductive biology

The mating season is the period from May to July or August. They are a polygynous species; where the male will visit each female mate during the mating season. A single young is born from mid-September to November or December. Mothers raise offspring usually in a hollow tree. The gestation period has been reported from 120–150 days. The weight of the newborn is about 1.8 oz (50 g). Mothers often will leave babies clinging to branches while they forage. Weaning occurs at about four months, but youngsters may continue to rely on their mothers for more than the first year of its life. Sexual maturity is reached at around 1.5 years. Captive animals have reached 12 years of age.

conservation status

Listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. ESA. Total populations are estimated to number more than 100,000, and the species is threatened with destruction of its habitat.

significance to humans

Hunted for food.

Weasel sportive lemur

Lepilemur mustelinus

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur mustelinus I. Geoffroy, 1851, north of Tamataire, Madagascar.

other common names

French: Grand lépilémur; Spanish: Lémur juguetón comadreja.

physical characteristics

Body and head length of 11.0–13.8 in (28.0–35.0 cm); tail length of 9.8–11.8 in (25.0–30.0 cm) and weight of 20.6–22.9 oz (583–650 g). It has binocular vision, a large cecum, and large digital pads on hands and feet that are used for clinging. The species has a pelage color that is brown dorsally and gray-brown ventrally, with a gray coloring on their heads.

distribution

Northern part of eastern forests of Madagascar, with a southern limit from the right bank of the Lokoho river to the coast.

habitat

Forests.

behavior

Weasel sportive lemurs are arboreal and nocturnal, and basically solitary animals. They live in hollow trees during drier seasons (usually 19.7–39.4 ft [6–12 m] above the ground), and in nests made of leaves within tropical vines during wetter seasons. When first emerging from their nests at dusk they make very noisy, high-pitched sounds. They move through the forest by vertical clinging and leaping. The social system is based upon mothers and young. Males live solitary lives, but have home ranges that overlap one or more females. All animals fiercely protect their territories, with males sometimes using violence as a means to defend their territories. Communication comes with various sounds. One such sound is a "loud" call that is emitted by adult males in order to demarcate its territorial claims and to tell other males that it already occupies a certain area.

feeding ecology and diet

They are a folivorous species (eating mostly leaves), but will also eat small amount of fruits and flowers to supplement the diet. They are also cecotroph, re-digesting their feces in order to help break down the cellulose in previously eaten leaves.

reproductive biology

The species is polygynous, where a male will visit several females during the mating season. The gestation period is 130–150 days. Females will give birth to one young. Females will leave their young on branches while they forage for food.

conservation status

Listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. ESA. Total populations are estimated to number 10,000–100,000, and the species is threatened with destruction of its habitat.

significance to humans

Hunted for food.

Small-toothed sportive lemur

Lepilemur microdon

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur microdon Forbes, 1894, east of Betsileo, Madagascar.

other common names

Spanish: Lémur juguetón de dientes Pequeños.

physical characteristics

Small-toothed sportive lemurs have a head and body length of about 10.2 in (26.0 cm), with a tail length of about 10.6 in (27.0 cm) and weight of about 2.2 lb (1.0 kg). They possess binocular vision, a large cecum, and large digital pads on their hands and feet for clinging. The species is mostly red-brown in color with a dark mid-dorsal line and is yellowish-buff colored laterally and ventrally.

distribution

South and central areas of the Eastern rainforests of Madagascar.

habitat

Lives in rainy forests not far from the coast. The population density is 13–100 animals per 0.4 sq mi (1.0 sq km).

behavior

Small-toothed sportive lemurs are arboreal and nocturnal. They move through the forest by vertical clinging and leaping. Their social system is based on mothers and their offspring, while males live solitary lives. Male home ranges overlap one or more female home ranges. All members of the species are highly territorial, with males often violently defending their territories. Communication comes with various sounds. One such sound is a "loud" call, similar to the sound of a crow, that is emitted by adult males in order to demarcate its territorial claims and to tell other males that it already occupies a certain area.

feeding ecology and diet

They are folivorous (leaf eating), but also will eat small amounts of fruits and flowers to supplement their diet. They are also cecotrophic, re-digesting their feces in order to break down cellulose in already eaten leaves.

reproductive biology

The species has a polygynous mating system, where the male visits several females during the mating season. Females give birth to one young. Females leave their infants on branches while they forage for food.

conservation status

Listed as Lower Risk/Near Threatened by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. ESA. Total populations are estimated to number 10,000–100,000, and the species is threatened with destruction of its habitat.

significance to humans

Hunted for food.

Northern sportive lemur

Lepilemur septentrionalis

subfamily

Lepilemurinae

taxonomy

Lepilemur septentrionalis Rumpler and Albignac, 1975, Sahafary Forest, Madagascar.

other common names

Spanish: Lémur juguetón norteño.

physical characteristics

Northern sportive lemurs possess binocular vision, a large cecum, and have large digital pads on their hands and feet for clinging. The upper parts of this species are gray, being darkest on the crown and paler in gray color on the rump and the hind limbs. From the crown down the back there is a darker gray median stripe. The under parts are gray in coloration.

distribution

Extreme northern tip of Madagascar from the left bank of the Loky river to the coast.

habitat

They live in dry, deciduous forest habitats. The population density is 60–564 animals per 0.4 sq mi (1.0 sq km).

behavior

Northern sportive lemurs are arboreal and nocturnal. During the day they sleep in tree holes or bundles of dense foliage and vines. Their social system is based on mothers and their offspring, while males live solitary lives. Male home ranges over-lap one or more female home ranges. All members of the species are highly territorial, with males often violently defending their territories. Communication comes with various sounds. One such sound is a "loud" call, similar to the sound made by a crow, which is emitted by adult males in order to demarcate its territorial claims and to tell other males that it already occupies a certain area. Another sound is a "contactrejection" call that is used when an individual approaches another one. This call consists of a series of resonant hissing calls that is followed by a two-phase vocalization.

feeding ecology and diet

They are folivorous (eating mostly leaves), but also will eat small amounts of fruits and flowers to supplement their diet. They are also cecotrophic, re-digesting their feces in order to break down cellulose in already eaten leaves

reproductive biology

The Northern sportive lemur has a polygynous mating system, where the male visits several females during the mating season. Females give birth to one young during the year. Females leave their infants on branches while they forage for food.

conservation status

Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Also listed on CITES Appendix I and as endangered by the U.S. ESA. Total populations are estimated to number 10,000–100,000, and the species is threatened with destruction of its habitat.

significance to humans

Hunted for food.

Resources

Books

Burnie, David, and Don E. Wilson, eds. Animal. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, 2001.

Feldhamer, George A., Lee C. Drickamer, Stephen H. Vessey, and Joseph F. Merritt. eds. Mammalogy: Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology. Boston: WCB McGraw-Hill, 1999.

Gould, Edwin, and George McKay, eds. Encyclopedia of Mammals, 2nd ed. San Diego: Academic Press, 1998.

Grzimek, Bernard. Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals. Volume 2. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1990.

Macdonald, David. The Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York: Facts on File Publications, 1984.

Mittermeier, Russell A., Ian Tattersall, William R. Konstant, David M. Meyers, and Roderic B. Mast. The Lemurs of Madagascar. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1994.

The National Geographic Book of Mammals. Volume 1. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1981.

Nowak, Ronald M. Walker's Mammals of the World, Volume 1, 6th ed. Baltimore, MD and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999.

Wilson, Don E., and DeeAnn M. Reeder, eds. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, 2nd ed. Washington DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1999.

Periodicals

Wright, P. C. "Lemur Traits and Madagascar Ecology: Coping with an Island Environment." Yearbook of Physical Anthropology (1999) 42:31–72.

Other

Family Megaladapidae. Primata, Sean Flannery. January 24, 2002 [ June 2, 2003]. <http://members.tripod.com/uakari/megaladapidae.html>

Knight, Tim. Living Primate Species. Multimedia Lab, Center for Mind, Brain, and Learning, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. [ June 2, 2003]. <http://staff.washington.edu/timk/primate/photos/Lemuridae>

Megaladapidae Sportive Lemurs or Weasel Lemurs. Animal Diversity Web, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. [ June 2, 2003]. <http://www.primates.com/primate/megaladapidae.html>

Nowak, Ronald M. Koala Lemurs. Walker's Mammals of the World Online, The Johns Hopkins University Press. 1995 [ June 2, 2003]. <http://www.press.jhu.edu/books/walkers_mammals_of_the_world/primates.megaladapidae.megaladapis.html>

Nowak, Ronald M. Sportive Lemurs, or Weasel Lemurs. Walker's Mammals of the World Online, The Johns Hopkins University Press. 1995 [ June 2, 2003]. <http://www.press.jhu.edu/books/walker/primates.megaladapidae.lepilemur.html>

Nowak, Ronald M. Sportive Lemurs, or Weasel Lemurs, and Koala Lemurs. Walker's Mammals of the World Online, The Johns Hopkins University Press. 1995 [ June 2, 2003]. <http://www.press.jhu.edu/books/walker/primates.megaladapidae.html>

William Arthur Atkins