Measured Light/Dark and Activity/Rest Patterns in Five Species of Lemurs Kenneth E

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Measured Light/Dark and Activity/Rest Patterns in Five Species of Lemurs Kenneth E Measured light/dark and activity/rest patterns in five species of lemurs Kenneth E. Glander1, Mariana G. Figueiro2, Geoffrey E. Jones2, Mark S. Rea2 1 Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0383 2 Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3352 Introduction Results continued • Two kinds of light – visual and circadian Comparison of the two ruffed lemur species: black = activity; grey = circadian light stimulus • Human fovea peak spectral sensitivity is at 555 nm (CS); dotted lines demark astronomical sunrise and sunset. Note: the activity before sunrise • Human circadian peak spectral sensitivity is at 460 nm and after sunset; mid-day break in both activity and light intensity; different pattern of activity • Light is the primary synchronizer of all rhythms to the 24-hour solar day and light levels between ruffed lemur species; arrow-angles indicate Red ruffed lemurs had • Light/dark cycle’s role in shaping primate evolution is poorly understood more activity before light levels rose than did the Variegated black-and-white ruffed lemurs.a • Ancestral primate photic niche much debated • Nocturnal, cathemeral, diurnal • Light levels previously measured at observer’s location rather than animal’s location • New technology was used to measure proximal light exposure and the resulting activity pattern for individual animals Methods Study Site: Duke Lemur Center, Durham NC Technology: The Daysimeter-D measures proximate light/dark exposure patterns and associated activity/rest patterns and records data using on-board memory. The Comparison of outdoor (Left) and indoor (Right) housed male Ring-tailed lemurs’ light Daysimeter-Ds were mounted on exposure and activity patterns. Dotted lines demark astronomical sunrise and sunset. collars as pendants (See Subject Note: dramatically different light levels but similar activity patterns between outdoor and photos below). indoor individuals; both anticipated sunrise and continued activity after sunset; arrow- angles indicate that the outdoor individual (ID:250) had more activity after light levels dropped while the indoor individual (ID:248) had more activity before light levels rose.a Subjects: Four individuals of the following species wore the Daysimeter-D at the same time. Propithecus coquereli Eulemur mongoz Lemur catta Varecia variegata variegata Varecia rubra Coquerel’s Sifaka Mongoose lemur Ring-tailed lemur Variegated black-and-white Red ruffed lemur ruffed lemur Day/Night Activity Ratio for Five Species Procedure: Lower ratios indicate relatively more night-time activity • Individuals were hand-held while the 25 gram Daysimeter-D was attached to their collars. The individuals 2.8 were then returned to their normal social groups and housing. 2.4 2 • All four individuals of each species wore the Daysimeter-D for the same number of days, but test days for 1.6 any species did not overlap. 1.2 • Two of the four Ring-tailed lemurs were restricted to indoor rooms. 0.8 • The other two Ring-tailed lemurs and all others had access to indoor rooms, outdoor cages, or Natural 0.4 Habitat Enclosures (3-6 acres of Duke Forest). 0 Coquerel's Sifaka Mongoose Ring-tailed Variegated b-and- Red ruffed Results w ruffed • Lemurs have common and species specific light and behavior patterns • All are active sunrise to sunset Comments • All anticipated sunrise • There is no single “lemur” behavioral response or light exposure pattern. • All had a mid-day break • All five species are entrained to a diurnal niche, but there were distinct species • During this break the Red ruffed, Variegated black-and-white ruffed, and variations in light exposure levels and activity patterns. Mongoose lemurs experienced lower light levels than Ring-tailed lemurs and • This study is the first to measure individual behavior and proximal light exposure to Coquerel’s Sifaka. better understand primate photic niche adaptation. • Red ruffed lemurs were the only species not to reduce activity levels within an hour after sunrise • Indoor and outdoor Ring-tailed lemurs had similar activity profiles despite • Coquerel’s Sifaka were the only species not to be active after sunset dramatically different light level exposures. • They reduced activity 2 hours before sunset. • This technology will help improve lighting and thus management for captive • Ring-tailed lemurs had the highest average light level exposure primates. • Red ruffed lemurs had the lowest average light level exposure a Rea, M. S., Figueiro, M. G., Jones, G. E., & Glander, K. E. (2013). Daily activity and light exposure levels for five species of lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center. American Research funded by Journal of Physical Anthropology, 153(1), 68–77. doi:10.1002/ajpa.22409 .
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]
  • Effects of Human Disturbance on the Mongoose Lemur Eulemur Mongoz in Comoros: Implications and Potential for the Conservation of a Critically Endangered Species
    Effects of human disturbance on the mongoose lemur Eulemur mongoz in Comoros: implications and potential for the conservation of a Critically Endangered species B AKRI N ADHUROU,ROBERTA R IGHINI,MARCO G AMBA,PAOLA L AIOLO A HMED O ULEDI and C RISTINA G IACOMA Abstract The decline of the mongoose lemur Eulemur mon- conversion of forests into farmland, habitat loss and frag- goz has resulted in a change of its conservation status from mentation, hunting for meat, and direct persecution as agri- Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. Assessing the current cultural pests (Schwitzer et al., ). Shortage of essential threats to the species and the attitudes of the people coexist- resources, poverty and food insecurity often accentuate an- ing with it is fundamental to understanding whether and thropogenic pressures. Human well-being is dependent on how human impacts may affect populations. A question- biodiversity (Naeem et al., ) but many activities deemed naire-based analysis was used to study the impact of agricul- indispensable for human subsistence lead to biodiversity ture and other subsistence activities, and local educational losses (Díaz et al., ; Reuter et al., ). Damage to initiatives, on lemur abundance, group size and compos- crops, livestock or human life by wildlife provides sufficient ition in the Comoros. On the islands of Mohéli and motivation for people to eradicate potential animal compe- Anjouan we recorded lemurs in groups, the size titors (Ogada et al., ) and to reduce the quantity and and composition of which depended both on environmental quality of natural habitats on private and communal lands parameters and the magnitude and type of anthropogenic (Albers & Ferraro, ).
    [Show full text]
  • Inspection Report
    United States Department of Agriculture Customer: 2562 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Inspection Date: 08-SEP-14 Animal Inspected at Last Inspection Cust No Cert No Site Site Name Inspection 2562 33-C-0001 001 PEORIA PARK DISTRICT 08-SEP-14 Count Species 000001 Cattle/cow/ox/watusi 000003 Red-necked wallaby 000002 Slender-tailed meerkat 000004 Cotton-top tamarin 000003 Mandrill *Male 000002 Grevys zebra 000001 Gerenuk 000002 Reeve's muntjac 000001 European polecat 000001 Kinkajou 000002 Black-and-rufous elephant shrew 000001 Maned wolf 000003 Black-handed spider monkey 000003 Thomsons gazelle 000001 Prehensile-tailed porcupine 000021 Common mole-rat 000003 Cape Porcupine 000002 Takin 000004 Southern three-banded armadillo 000002 Lion 000001 California sealion 000004 Eastern black and white colobus 000002 African wild ass 000005 Tiger 000004 Goat 000002 Mongoose lemur 000003 Red River Hog 000002 White rhinoceros 000002 Hoffmanns two-toed sloth 000001 Sugar glider 000002 Giraffe 000003 Parma wallaby 000022 Greater spear-nosed bat 000001 Llama 000002 Chinchilla 000002 Ring-tailed lemur 000005 European rabbit 000125 Total United States Department of Agriculture Customer: 2562 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Inspection Date: 12-NOV-15 Animal Inspected at Last Inspection Cust No Cert No Site Site Name Inspection 2562 33-C-0001 001 PEORIA PARK DISTRICT 12-NOV-15 Count Species 000001 Northern tree shrew 000001 Cattle/cow/ox/watusi 000003 Red-necked wallaby 000005 Slender-tailed meerkat 000004 Cotton-top tamarin 000002 Mandrill
    [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]
  • Large Lemurs: Ecological, Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors for Weight Gain in Captivity
    animals Article Large Lemurs: Ecological, Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors for Weight Gain in Captivity Emma L. Mellor 1,* , Innes C. Cuthill 2, Christoph Schwitzer 3, Georgia J. Mason 4 and Michael Mendl 1 1 Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK; [email protected] 2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK; [email protected] 3 Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 WF88, Ireland; [email protected] 4 Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 29 June 2020; Accepted: 12 August 2020; Published: 18 August 2020 Simple Summary: Excessive body mass, i.e., being overweight or obese, is a health concern. Some lemur species are prone to extreme weight gain in captivity, yet for others a healthy body condition is typical. The first aim of our study was to examine possible ecological explanations for these species’ differences in susceptibility to captive weight gain across 13 lemur species. Our second aim was to explore demographic and environmental risk factors across individuals from the four best-sampled species. We found a potential ecological explanation for susceptibility to captive weight gain: being adapted to unpredictable wild food resources. Additionally, we also revealed one environmental and four demographic risk factors, e.g., increasing age and, for males, being housed with only fixed climbing structures. Our results indicate targeted practical ways to help address weight issues in affected animals, e.g., by highlighting at-risk species for whom extra care should be taken when designing diets; and by providing a mixture of flexible and fixed climbing structures within enclosures.
    [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]
  • (Eulemur Mongoz) at the Lemur Conservation Foundation, Myakka City, Florida
    1 Exploring the Impacts of Temperature on the Activity Patterns of Mongoose Lemurs (Eulemur mongoz) at the Lemur Conservation Foundation, Myakka City, Florida _________________________ An Honors Thesis Presented to The Independently Designed Major Program The Colorado College _________________________ by Rebecca Twinney May 2017 Approved: ____________________________Krista Fish Date: ________________________________ 04/19/2017 2 Abstract This study focused on the activity patterns of a male-female pair of semi-free ranging mongoose lemurs (Eulemur mongoz) in Myakka City, Florida. Despite hypotheses that a change in temperature drives the seasonal shift in the species’ activity patterns, previous research has been unable to conclusively isolate this variable. Because the semi-free ranging environment at the Lemur Conservation Foundation provided a constant food source and limited predation, it enabled this study to isolate the effect of temperature. The data illustrated no significant difference between hourly activity levels during sampling periods in the summer and fall of 2016 (P = 0.32). Despite lower temperatures in the fall (P = 0.01), the lemurs’ activity patterns did not significantly alter from those in the warmer summer months. These findings indicate that seasonal food availability, rather than temperature, drives the shifting activity patterns of wild mongoose lemurs. While Curtis et al. (1999) originally suggest that the lemurs’ higher fiber intake during the dry season drives this change in activity, more research is needed in order to fully understand this relationship. INTRODUCTION Thermoregulation In subtropical environments with temperatures that fluctuate with the season, most endothermic animals must rely on behavioral mechanisms of thermoregulation (Donati et al., 2011). In order to maintain homeostasis, species may conduct thermogenesis, the production of body heat, or thermolysis, the dissipation of body heat (Terrien et al., 2011).
    [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]
  • Annual Report
    2019 ANNUAL REPORT Pictured on the cover: Zazabe, born at LCF’s reserve May 9, 2016 on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Our red ruffed lemurs typically have Malagasy-themed names. Her name means ‘big baby,’ chosen by our husbandry team as a re- flection of her size. This species is critically endangered. In this and the inside back cover photo, Zazabe enjoys one of our protected, free-ranging lemur habitats. Photos: Caitlin Kenney, LCF Curator of Primates 2019 LETTER FROM THE CHAIR We are pleased to share updates in this 2019 Lemur fied Related Facility. Through this partnership, LCF’s Conservation Foundation Annual Report. This prog- lemurs are part of AZA’s cooperative and scientific ress coincides with an exciting time in our history: Species Survival Plans (SSPs) designed to safeguard our upcoming 25th anniversary in 2021. Throughout the survival of lemur species. LCF’s third lemur shel- our anniversary year, we will celebrate and reflect ter will allow us to expand our participation in AZA upon our accomplishments. Presently, allow me to breeding recommendations. take this opportunity to express our deep appreci- ation for all of our LCF supporters and partners. We Yet, our impact reaches far beyond LCF’s Florida honor your combined enthusiasm as ambassadors reserve, and for this, our gratitude to our supporters for the LCF mission that has brought us thus far. and partners is immeasurable. LCF provides pro- grams in managed breeding, scientific research, Thank you for sharing your talents and wisdom conservation education, and art—in Florida, through- TABLE OF CONTENTS with us; and for your sustained financial contribu- out the U.S., and in northeastern Madagascar.
    [Show full text]
  • Mongoose Lemur Mammal Eulemer Mongoz
    Mongoose Lemur Mammal Eulemer mongoz Scientific Name: Eulemer mongoz Other Names: None Range: Northwestern Madagascar and the Comoro Islands of Moheli and Anjouan Habitat: Primary and secondary dry forests and scrub brush Average Size: Length: Body: 14 in. Tail: 19 in. Photo: Tana Aubert Weight: 2.8 - 3.5 lbs. Conservation The Ankarafantsika Reserve is the only protected area in Madagascar for Description: the mongoose lemur. It is under heavy pressure due to forest clearance Male: Darker than females with gray-brown for pasture, charcoal production and croplands. The exact limits of the fur and rust-colored cheeks and beard mongoose lemur’s distribution in other areas of Madagascar are unknown Female: Gray blending into brown on the due to the forests in the region being highly fragmented. This species is back and rear. Face is dark gray with white protected both by law and local customs on the Comoro Islands where cheeks and beard they were introduced roughly 200 years ago. The influx of Malagasy people (coming from mainland Madagascar) who have different customs than the Lifespan: local Comoro tribes, has led to an increase in the hunting of these lemurs In captivity: 30 years for food. The wild population is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000. There have only been a few good population studies completed. In the wild: Unknown Behavior Diet: This Malagasy species tends to live in small groups of three to four In the wild: Fruit, new leaves, nectar consisting of a mature pair and its immature offspring. Larger groups are (especially from the kapok tree) found on the Comoro Islands, suggesting that the typical small group sizes In the zoo: Fruit, vegetables, monkey chow and pair-bonding are influenced by food availability and climatic changes.
    [Show full text]