Abstract
Across Madagascar, many lemur species are declining in number due to deforestation perpetuated by slash and burn agriculture. Ranomafana National Park hosts 12 unique lemur species, one of which has a local population of just a single individual- the Greater Bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus). Being extremely social beings, we theorize that isolation from members of one’s species will change behavioral patterns. To test this hypothesis, we used focal animal sampling to record the behavior of the Greater Bamboo lemur for about 40 hours over a five day period. We compared our results to behavioral data collected of lemurs in a family setting and unpublished data from when the individual was living with her father. Our results showed that the current behavior of the lemur closely resembled her behavior when she was living in a pair with her father. This suggests that this particular Greater Bamboo lemur may be fulfilling its social needs by fraternizing with individuals of nearby lemur species. Our findings support the need for robust translocation projects, to move isolated individuals in fragmented areas to protected areas where they can proliferate.
Recommended Citation
McCandless, Marissa N.; Casamassima, Alex; and Thomas, Sophie
(2024)
"The Impact of Isolation From Other Members of the Greater Bamboo Lemur (Prolemur simus) Species on the Behavior of a Lone Greater Bamboo Lemur in Ranomafana National Park,"
Undergraduate Research: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58361/2766-3590.1073
Available at:
https://kb.gcsu.edu/undergraduateresearch/vol4/iss1/5