First characterization of the vocal acoustics of Otto's sportive lemur Lepilemur otto (Craul et al., 2007) with remarks on its abundance.

Animal vocalizations are an interesting non-invasive bioacoustic tool for the monitoring of cryptic and endangered lemur species such as Otto's sportive lemur (Lepilemur otto). To date, information on the biology, ecology, and bioacoustics of this newly described species is lacking. We provide first data on its population density and vocal acoustics in the Inter-river-system II, the Bongolava forest, Sofia region, northwestern Madagascar. Data collection was carried out in three different sites (Marosely, Antsahonjo and Ankarahara) with typical dry deciduous forest. Seven acoustically distinct call types could be recorded. This preliminary vocal repertoire of L. otto was similar to the vocal repertoire of L. edwardsi, its sister species occurring in the Inter-River-System I. However, there were also tangible differences in some acoustic parameters between the two species. Abundance data imply that this lemur species is highly threatened due to bush fires and the high fragmentation of its habitat. Findings provide the first basis to establish bioacoustic tools for non-invasive assessment of the presence, distribution and monitoring of this species. A more comprehensive study, integrating vocal acoustic data with abundance and chronic stress hormone and population genetic data, is urgently needed to establish management plans for the future protection of this highly endangered sportive lemur species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]