Title
Height and support use of three sympatric nocturnal lemurs in different habitats varying in disturbance on the Masoala Peninsula
Author(s)
Fenosoa, Zo Samuel Ella ;Sawyer, Rachel Mary ;Andrianarimisa, Aristide ;Razafindraibe, Hanta ;Rakotomanana, Hajanirina ;Donati, Giuseppe
Published
2018
Publisher
Lemur News
Abstract
Anthropogenic habitat disturbance of various levels is influencing
many aspects of the ecology of lemur species. Yet,
little is known concerning the effects of human-induced
habitat disturbance on the habitat use of nocturnal lemurs.
This two-month study (May-June 2014) aims to provide
data on sympatric nocturnal lemurs’ ecological responses
in term of habitat use to different levels of anthropogenic
habitat disturbance in Masoala Peninsula, northeastern Madagascar.
We used nightly observations on transects to collect
data on height on tree, support size and support angle
of mouse lemur Microcebus sp., the Moore’s woolly lemur
Avahi mooreorum and the Scott’s sportive lemur Lepilemur
scottorum in four forest types (primary lowland, primary
littoral, selectively logged and agricultural mosaic forests).
We found Microcebus sp. at lowest height in the agricultural
mosaic forest. Avahi mooreorum was higher and frequently
used medium and large support in primary lowland forest.
Lepilemur scottorum showed no difference in height, support
size and support angle used between forest types. Our results
suggest that anthropogenic habitat disturbance had different
effects on the species studied, reflecting their different
adaptations to varying habitat characteristics. Given the
ongoing forest destruction coupled with illegal extraction
of important trees for lemurs like rosewood on Masoala
Peninsula, habitat management is a key for conservation of
Avahi mooreorum, Lepilemur scottorum and Microcebus sp. inhabiting
the peninsula.
Keywords
habitat use;anthropogenic habitat disturbance;Avahi mooreorum;Lepilemur scottorum;Microcebus sp.;Masoala
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.
![]()
Back
PUB23982