Habitat Usage and Foraging Behavior of Two Species of Semi-Free Ranging Lemur Groups Lemur catta and Varecia variegata rubra

Sara Mapes

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Lemurs, Foraging, Habitat Usage

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

For ten months in 2003, the foraging behavior and habitat usage was recorded of two groups of semi-free ranging lemurs, Lemur catta and Varecia variegata rubra. Data were collected in the 8-1 0 acre outdoor enclosure of the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Florida. Approximately 90 hours of data were collected on the two species using focal animal sampling and a random sampling schedule. The observation protocol employed was half-hour samples during which two variables were recorded every thirty seconds: (1) location in forest using a handheld GPS unit and (2) foraging activity. Other variables recorded were: time of day, general weather conditions, rainfall, GPS accuracy, plant part ingested, the animal's level in the strata, whether the animals were fed their supplemental diet and entrance of any humans into the enclosure. Results indicated that both groups of lemurs occupied small, distinct and overlapping core areas, which included the area around the shelter and two oak hammocks. The lemurs do not defend these core areas consistently or successfully. They spent minimal time foraging (less than 10% of total observation time). Several favored plant species were identified including: Quercus virginiana, Pinus elliottii, Ilex glabra, Ilex cassine, inter alia. Most favored plant parts were leaves, acorns, and berries. Several ideas are given in the discussion of this thesis paper to explain these outcomes. Results of this study should help the reserve managers to develop more practical and efficient management strategies by: reducing operation costs, decreasing human/animal interaction, and encouraging natural behaviors, especially, reproduction.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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