1. Étude des préférences d'habitat et des comportements de lémuriens nocturnes de l'Aire Protégée Mangabe - Ranomena - Sahasarotra.
- Author
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Razafindraibe, Pierre, Razafimanahaka, Julie H., Ambinintsoa, Jacyntha, Razafindraibe, Mendrika N., Andrianjaka, Nary, Andriatiavina, Tsinjo S. A., and Andriantsimanarilafy, Raphali R.
- Subjects
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ANIMAL behavior , *FOREST restoration , *ZOOLOGICAL surveys , *TREE size , *LEMURS , *HABITATS - Abstract
Five nocturnal lemur species, including Avahi laniger, Daubentonia madagascariensis, Cheirogaleus major, Lepilemur mustelinus, and Microcebus lehilahytsara, which are all clas sified as threatened, are present within Mangabe Reserve. This study aims to understand their habitat use (ecology) and their behaviors. The habitat used (substrate size, forest cover, microhabitats, tree size according to the CBH and height of the animal above the ground) by lemurs was studied within a 100m2 plot where the animals were found along the transect (1000m). The animals' behavior were recorded during 30 minutes to an hour of animal survey. 58.6 % of A. laniger, M. lehilahytsara, C. major and L. mustelinus were frequently observed and living inside the forest. Their habitats vary according to the species: M. lehilahytsara frequents small supports, using a substrate between 0.5 to 5 meters above the ground (level 1); L. mustelinus prefer large and medium supports, occurring on level 2 substrate; C. major can be seen on large supports, approximating level 4 substrate and A. laniger use large supports on level 2 substrates. These species of nocturnal lemurs generally use all parts of the vegetative systems of the tree; the animal is found either inside or at the periphery of the tuft such that: A. laniger and L. mustelinus select the trunks at rest and during movement; C. major and M. lehilahytsara frequently localized on branches during food intake. Four types of behavior and reactions towards humans were marked during the study; their activities are: resting, moving, grooming and feeding. The duration of the common "rest" activity varies from 20 - 29 minutes for these four species. These lemurs have been placed in higher threat categories due to increased human pressure (Tavy) in the Protected Area. These assemblages are closely related to undisturbed forests, even those adapted to open areas, and the restoration of their forest habitats will be recommended for their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021