Olfactory Communication and indivdual recognition in Eulemur Mongoz, the Mongoose Lemur

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Keywords

Lemur, Olfactory, Communication

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Olfactory communication is a major aspect in lemur biology and behavior. Since it was first studied, research and experiments have focused on Lemur catta, the ring-tailed lemur. The purpose of this thesis was to begin to bridge the information gap that existed between L. catta and most other lemurs, by trying to determine whether Eulemur mongoz, the mongoose lemur, could distinguish between individuals based solely on olfactory communication. A habituation/dishabituation experiment was done using a total of eight E. mongoz from the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Florida. Pads that were marked with a conspecific�s scent were presented in series to E. mongoz individuals. Overall, the lemurs were very uninterested in the trials, hardly investigating the pads. It remains unknown whether E. mongoz are able to differentiate between individuals based on scent, however, these findings indicate that E. mongoz may use olfactory communication very differently from L. catta. Future experiments are needed to explore use of scent by the mongoose lemur.

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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