Lemurs Are a Very Special Group of Primates That Are Only Found on the Island of Madagascar

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Lemurs are a very special group of primates that are only found on the island of Madagascar. There are over 100 different species of Lemur, many of them are endangered or critically endangered. Lemurs are found in many different habitats and have many different diets, but most are omnivores, eating mostly plants and some insects. Communicate with Smells Lemurs rely heavily on their sense of smell and leave scent markings to communicate. Male Ring-tailed Lemurs will have stink fights, waving their smelly tails at each other. The Little Rock Zoo supports Lemur Love, an organization that helps to protect these endangered species in the wild! Want to Learn more? Check out these links and activities! Lemur Love and Lemur Conservation Network http://www.lemurlove.org/lemurs.html https://www.lemurconservationnetwork.org/why-lemurs/ National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/r/ring-tailed-lemur/ https://www.nationalgeographic.org/media/photo-ark-red-ruffed-lemur/ Other: Nat Geo - Lemurs Roam Free on This Ancient Island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjSiq53nJBo Duke Lemur Center: https://lemur.duke.edu/discover/meet-the-lemurs/ring-tailed-lemur/ San Diego Zoo: https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/lemur Each lemur has a role to play in its ecosystem, an animals role, or job, is called its niche. One of the important jobs that Black and White Ruffed Lemurs do is to pollinate flowers! They go from flower to flower, sipping delicious nectar, and in return they spread the flowers pollen, helping to produce seeds and fruit! Cut out the puzzle pieces to make the picture of the Black and White Ruffed Lemur! .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

In Situ Conservation
NEWSN°17/DECEMBER 2020 Editorial IN SITU CONSERVATION One effect from 2020 is for sure: Uncertainty. Forward planning is largely News from the Little Fireface First, our annual SLOW event was impossible. We are acting and reacting Project, Java, Indonesia celebrated world-wide, including along the current situation caused by the By Prof K.A.I. Nekaris, MA, PhD by project partners Kukang Rescue Covid-19 pandemic. All zoos are struggling Director of the Little Fireface Project Program Sumatra, EAST Vietnam, Love economically after (and still ongoing) Wildlife Thailand, NE India Primate temporary closures and restricted business. The Little Fireface Project team has Investments in development are postponed Centre India, and the Bangladesh Slow at least. Each budget must be reviewed. been busy! Despite COVID we have Loris Project, to name a few. The end In the last newsletter we mentioned not been able to keep up with our wild of the week resulted in a loris virtual to forget about the support of the in situ radio collared slow lorises, including conference, featuring speakers from conservation efforts. Some of these under welcoming many new babies into the the helm of the Prosimian TAG are crucial 11 loris range countries. Over 200 for the survival of species – and for a more family. The ‘cover photo’ you see here people registered, and via Facebook sustainable life for the people involved in is Smol – the daughter of Lupak – and Live, more than 6000 people watched rd some of the poorest countries in the world. is our first 3 generation birth! Having the event.
[Show full text]
ABSTRACT GENUS VARECIA: ANATOMY, MORPHOLOGY, and PATHOLOGY Elise R. Orellana, MS Department of Biological Sciences Northern Illi
ABSTRACT GENUS VARECIA: ANATOMY, MORPHOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY Elise R. Orellana, MS Department of Biological Sciences Northern Illinois University, 2015 Virginia L. Naples, Director An anatomical normal was established for the forelimb and hindlimb of the Genus Varecia through observation of skeletal remains and a detailed dissection of the musculature of a black and white ruffed lemur, Varecia variegata. This was used as a healthy state for comparison with a red ruffed lemur, Varecia rubra, displaying a periosteal disease affecting the long bones. This disease presented as large lesions growing along the diaphyses and epiphyses of the ulna, radius, tibia and fibula as well as on the carpals, metacarpals, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. Dissection showed that these lesions avoided the points of origin and insertion of the limb musculature. Instead, the calcified lesions grew over the tendons and some muscle in the wrist and ankles reducing dexterity and range of motion in climbing and walking activities. This study determined the initial diagnosis of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy to be a misdiagnosis based on the absence of the three main symptoms of the disease: finger clubbing, pachydermia, and periostitis. Instead the location, size, and progression of the bony lesions make Nora’s lesions (bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation) are more appropriate diagnosis. The skeletomuscular data provided in this work allow for Varecia to be used as a model for morphological studies, in disease recognition and diagnosis, and answered questions regarding the effects of the periosteal disease described. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY DE KALB, ILLINOIS AUGUST 2015 GENUS VARECIA: ANATOMY, MORPHOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY BY ELISE R.
[Show full text]
Logical Inferences from Visual and Auditory Information in Ruffed Lemurs and Sifakas
Animal Behaviour xxx (xxxx) xxx Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Animal Behaviour journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/anbehav Logical inferences from visual and auditory information in ruffed lemurs and sifakas * Francesca De Petrillo a, b, , Alexandra G. Rosati b, c a Institute for Advance Study in Toulouse, 1, Esplanade de l'Universite, Toulouse, France b Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A. c Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A. article info Inference by exclusion, or the ability to select a correct course of action by systematically excluding other Article history: potential alternatives, is a form of logical inference that allows individuals to solve problems without Received 17 October 2019 complete information. Current comparative research shows that several bird, mammal and primate Initial acceptance 24 December 2019 species can ﬁnd hidden food through inference by exclusion. Yet there is also wide variation in how Final acceptance 31 January 2020 successful different species are as well as the kinds of sensory information they can use to do so. An Available online xxx important question is therefore why some species are better at engaging in logical inference than others. MS. number: A19-00797R Here, we investigate the evolution of logical reasoning abilities by comparing strepsirrhine primate species that vary in dietary ecology: frugivorous ruffed lemurs (Varecia spp.) and folivorous Coquerel's Keywords: sifakas, Propithecus coquereli. Across two studies, we examined their abilities to locate food using direct auditory information information versus inference from exclusion and using both visual and auditory information.
[Show full text]
Rare Mammals of Madagascar
Rare Mammals of Madagascar Trip Highlights from November 2019 and May 2016 by Ian Loyd Introduction Madagascar must be one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world for those interested in natural history. This record of some stand out sightings and where to find key species will hopefully help those planning a trip. Often referred to as the “Eighth Continent” and “The Big Red Island”, Madagascar is the world’s oldest and fourth largest island and after millions of years of isolation, a wildlife holiday there is truly unlike anywhere else. There is a vast range of ecosystems to explore: wet rainforest, dry tropical deciduous forest and the unique spiny forest found only in Madagascar’s far southwest. In addition, there are also coral reefs and stunning white sand beaches to enjoy along the coast, plus the unique stone forests known as tsingy and fascinating cultures to discover. Nearly all of Madagascar’ staggering biodiversity is found nowhere else and much of it is sadly increasingly threatened with extinction. Wildlife highlights undoubtably include the mysterious nocturnal aye aye, iconic ring-tailed lemur, the beautiful sifaka family, the agile indri, tiny mouse lemurs, charismatic fossa, both giant and miniature chameleons, camouflaged leaf-tailed geckos, colourful frogs and its fantastically varied endemic birds. (2)…/ Wildlife tourism has emerged as a major source of foreign income for Madagascar. By visiting you contribute directly to the conservation of its precious remaining forests with their unique wildlife, and the welfare of its people who are among the poorest (yet friendliest) in the world. Your presence facilitates the hiring of park rangers who guard the precious reserves from illegal logging, slash-and-burn farmers and bush-meat hunters.
[Show full text]
What Are Mouse Lemurs? in the WILD in CAPTIVITY
Gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus): A novel animal model in research Alice S.O. Hong¹, Jozeph L. Pendleton², Caitlin J. Karanewsky², Mark A. Krasnow², Megan A. Albertelli¹ ¹Department of Comparative Medicine, ²Department of Biochemistry and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA What are mouse lemurs? In the WILD In CAPTIVITY • Mouse lemurs (Microcebus spp.) A wild mouse lemur in its natural • Follow the Guide for the Care and contain the smallest primates in environment in Madagascar. Use of Laboratory Animals and the world Animal Welfare Act • Prosimians (primates of the • Temperature condition: 74-80ºF Strepsirrhine group) • Humidity condition: 44-65% • Gray mouse lemur (Microcebus (dependent on season) murinus) is 80-100 grams in body weight. • Food: fruit, vegetables, primate biscuits, meal worms • ~24 species in genus • Caging: Marmoset housing cages • Cryptic species (similar (Britz & Company) morphology but different o genetics) Single housing o Group housing • Native to Madagascar in west and A captive mouse lemur resting on perch in south coast regions • Enrichment provided: its cage at Stanford University. • Hot and tropical climate o Sanded down PVC pipes Research Uses • Arboreal (live in trees) o External and cardboard nest boxes • Research in animal’s biological • Live in various environments: and physiological characteristics o Fleece blankets o Dry deciduous trees o Reproductive biology o Rain forests o Torpor, food restriction o Spiny deserts o Manipulation of photoperiod o Thornbushes o Sex differences with behavior • Eat fruits, flowers, invertebrates, o Metabolism small vertebrates, gum/sap A captive gray mouse lemur resting on a o Genetic variation researcher’s hand at Stanford University.
[Show full text]
Lemurs, Monkeys & Apes, Oh
Lemurs, Monkeys & Apes, Oh My! Audience Activity is designed for ages 12 and up Goal Students will be able to understand the differences between primate groups Objective • To use critical thinking skills to identify different primate groups • To learn what makes primates so unique. Conservation Message Many of the world’s primates live in habitats that are currently being threatened by human activities. Most of these species live in rainforests in Asia, South America and Africa, all these places share a similar threat; unstainable agriculture and climate change. In the last 20 years, chimpanzee and ring-tailed lemur populations have declined by 90%. There are some easy things we can do to help these animals! Buying sustainable wood and paper products, recycling any items you can, spreading the word about the issues and supporting local zoos and aquariums. Background Information There are over 300 species of primates. Primates are an extremely diverse group of animals and cover everything from marmosets to lorises to gorillas and chimpanzees. Many people believe that all primates are monkeys, however, this is incorrect. There are many differences between primate species. Primates are broken into prosimians (lemurs, tarsius, bushbabies and lorises), monkeys (Old and New World) and apes (gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos). Prosimians are primarily tree-dwellers. This group includes species such as lemurs, tarsius, bushbabies and lorises. They have longer snouts than other primates, a wet nose and a good sense of smell. They have smaller brains, large eyes that are adapted for night vision, and long tails that are not prehensile, meaning they are not able to grab onto items with their tails.
[Show full text]
Taxonomic Revision of Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus) in the Western Portions of Madagascar
International Journal of Primatology, Vol. 21, No. 6, 2000 Taxonomic Revision of Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus) in the Western Portions of Madagascar Rodin M. Rasoloarison,1 Steven M. Goodman,2 and Jo¨ rg U. Ganzhorn3 Received October 28, 1999; revised February 8, 2000; accepted April 17, 2000 The genus Microcebus (mouse lemurs) are the smallest extant primates. Until recently, they were considered to comprise two different species: Microcebus murinus, confined largely to dry forests on the western portion of Madagas- car, and M. rufus, occurring in humid forest formations of eastern Madagas- car. Specimens and recent field observations document rufous individuals in the west. However, the current taxonomy is entangled due to a lack of comparative material to quantify intrapopulation and intraspecific morpho- logical variation. On the basis of recently collected specimens of Microcebus from 12 localities in portions of western Madagascar, from Ankarana in the north to Beza Mahafaly in the south, we present a revision using external, cranial, and dental characters. We recognize seven species of Microcebus from western Madagascar. We name and describe 3 spp., resurrect a pre- viously synonymized species, and amend diagnoses for Microcebus murinus (J. F. Miller, 1777), M. myoxinus Peters, 1852, and M. ravelobensis Zimmer- mann et al., 1998. KEY WORDS: mouse lemurs; Microcebus; taxonomy; revision; new species. 1De´partement de Paleóntologie et d’Anthropologie Biologique, B.P. 906, Universite´ d’Antana- narivo (101), Madagascar and Deutsches Primantenzentrum, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Go¨ t- tingen, Germany. 2To whom correspondence should be addressed at Field Museum of Natural History, Roosevelt Road at Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA and WWF, B.P.
[Show full text]
Varecia Variegata)
University of Missouri, St. Louis IRL @ UMSL Theses UMSL Graduate Works 4-22-2016 Aggression Dynamics and Hormone Fluctuations in Black and White Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata) Alicia N. Marty University of Missouri-St. Louis, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://irl.umsl.edu/thesis Recommended Citation Marty, Alicia N., "Aggression Dynamics and Hormone Fluctuations in Black and White Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata)" (2016). Theses. 8. https://irl.umsl.edu/thesis/8 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the UMSL Graduate Works at IRL @ UMSL. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of IRL @ UMSL. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 1 Aggression Dynamics and Hormone Fluctuations in Black and White Ruffed Lemurs (Varecia variegata) Alicia N. Marty A Thesis Submitted to The Graduate School at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics May 2016 Advisory Committee Patricia Parker, Ph.D. Aimee Dunlap, Ph.D. Cheryl Asa, Ph.D. Corinne Kozlowski, Ph.D. 2 Abstract: Black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) are critically endangered primates from the Northeastern rainforests of Madagascar. This species shows clear female dominance in both feeding and social contexts. In captivity, this dominance hierarchy can lead to heightened aggression between females during the breeding season, which can result in animal separation or group reconfiguration. The objectives of this study are to determine the scope of this species- specific management strategy throughout AZA-accredited zoos, determine the influence of two types of feeding enrichment on aggression levels, and determine the effect of aggression on stress levels by measuring fecal glucocorticoids (fGC).
[Show full text]
Black and White Ruffed Lemur Record Keeping Protocol 2005
Black and White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia v. variegata) Record Keeping Protocol AZA Institutional Data Management Advisory Group (IDMAG) Government Ownership Task Force (IDMAGGOT) July 28th, 2005 Note: The information contained in this document is not current and is in the process of being revised by the AZA IDMAG. Page 1 of 5 Dear Holding Institution: In conjunction with the AZA Institutional Data Management Advisory Group (IDMAG) and its Government Ownership Task Force (IDMAGGOT), the following record keeping protocol was developed to address data discrepancies in the ISIS database directly related to government-owned black and white ruffed lemurs. These guidelines were developed based on current standards for ISIS data entry. This letter will clarify the terms of agreement, established ISIS mnemonic and related details with regard to government-owned black and white ruffed lemurs held in AZA zoos. Please forward this document to your registrar and/or records keeper in order that your ISIS records for the above-noted species may be reviewed and corrected as necessary. Sincerely, Ingrid Porton Aletha Kinser Rae Lynn Haliday, CRM Ruffed Lemur Chair, IDMAG Chair, IDMAGGOT SSP Coordinator Black and White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia v. variegata) Record Keeping Protocol AZA Institutional Data Management Advisory Group (IDMAG) Government Ownership Task Force (IDMAGGOT) July 28th, 2005 Page 2 of 5 In order to ensure that your records for black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia v. variegata) are recorded accurately, please refer to the following clarifications for verification of your historical records and guidance for future transactions. Appropriate Entry of Studbook Number The black and white ruffed lemur’s international studbook number should be entered under Global Studbook in the Identifier section in ARKS4.
[Show full text]
B&W Ruffed Lemur
Black –and –White Ruffe d L emur Description Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur has a black and white coat or ‘pelage’ with white tufted ears, a long tail and bright yellow eyes. Diet Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs are herbivores and eat fruit, nectar, seeds and leaves. They obtain nectar by Scientific Name Conservation Status using their snouts and tongues to reach deep inside the Varecia variegata flowers. Extinct In the wild Extinct in the Wild Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs live in groups of 2–5 Critically Endangered individuals but groups sometimes reach 30 members. Females form the core group, defend the territories and Endangered are dominant over males. Bonds are formed through Vulnerable grooming. Unlike monkeys and apes, these primates have modified teeth which they use to form a comb to Near-Threatened groom the fur. Least Concern Threats Data Deficient Lemurs are threatened by habitat destruction due to the expansion of the human population on the island of Body Length: 50–55 cm Madagascar. They are also hunted for food and the pet Weight: 3.5–4.5 kg trade. Gestation: 90–102 days Number of young: 2 At Perth Zoo The Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs are located on an island in the Main Lake and in the Lesser Primates area. Did you know? The word ‘lemur’ means a ‘night wandering ghost’ which refers to their stealthy, noiseless movement Distribution through the forest by night. However, these lemurs Distribution: Eastern Madagascar aren’t quiet when alarmed by predators. Their elaborate system of barks can be heard throughout Habitat: Rainforest the forest and alert other group members.
[Show full text]
December 2013
E-ulemur Latitudes e-newsletter December 2013 www.lemurreserve.org Click here to peek inside the Ako books and receive our special watercolor by Deborah Ross holiday offer for the six book deborahrossart.com series. Thank You For Your Involvement & Support We have had a very successful and exciting year at the Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) with some significant achievements in our conservation, education, and outreach partnerships. Thanks to your involvement, we are able to increase our impact in the communities we serve, as well as meet the challenges facing lemurs, the most endangered primates species in the world, and Madagascar's important biodiversity. At this time we invite you to join us as we build on our successes. For example, in 2012 all three of the rare Mongoose lemurs born in the United States belonged to LCF. In addition to the Mongoose lemur births, Ansell, a Ring-tailed lemur, gave birth to twins. Ansell is an experienced mother, who gave birth in the forest for the second time and reared her infants while leading her troop, marking a significant achievement for our free- ranging colony. Find organic spices from Madagascar in our Amazon store This is why we ask you to consider a year-end gift to help us expand our success in lemur propagation, the core of our mission, onsite research opportunities, and education outreach that will help build awareness about lemurs and sustain their populations in the future. In 2014 LCF's Ako Project, a series of six books for children 4 to 8 years old, written by Dr.
[Show full text]
Population Analysis & Breeding and Transfer Plan Red Ruffed Lemur
Population Analysis & Breeding and Transfer Plan Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia rubra) AZA Species Survival Plan® Yellow Program AZA Species Survival Plan® Coordinator Christie Eddie, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium ([email protected]) AZA Studbook Keeper Mylisa Whipple, Saint Louis Zoo ([email protected]) AZA Adjunct Population Advisor Gina M. Ferrie, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® ([email protected]) 9 February 2017 Executive Summary Species Survival Plan® for Red Ruffed Lemur (Varecia rubra) The current SSP population of red ruffed lemurs is N = 187 animals (104 males; 83 females; 0 unknown sex) at 48 AZA institutions and 4 non-member participating institutions. This Population Analysis and Breeding and Transfer Plan was prepared November 2016 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®. The last Breeding and Transfer Plan for this species was finalized 8 December 2015. Analyses were based on the North American data of the International Varecia rubra Studbook (current to 30 June 2016) and were performed using PopLink 2.4 and PMx 1.4.20160831. The target population size designated by the Prosimian Taxon Advisory Group 2014 Regional Collection Plan is 225. This population currently qualifies as a Yellow SSP. Genetic diversity in this population is currently 91.61%. When gene diversity falls below 90% of that in the founding population, it is expected that reproduction will be increasingly compromised by, among other factors, lower birth weights and greater infant mortality. Gene diversity in 100 years is projected to be 84.2% (based on current statistics, assuming a target population for projections of 225 and lambda = 1.05). Gene diversity in 10 generations (83 years) is projected to be 85.4%.
[Show full text]