Given the threat to lemurs in the wild, it is essential to determine how human-induced habitat change is affecting their health. In 2003 a survey on the health and disease ecology of wild ring-tailed lemurs began at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve.

During this survey, a preliminary examination of nutritional and disease parameters of wild ring-tailed lemurs living within the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, as well as groups living within anthropogenically altered areas nearby, was completed. The research team safely captured 70 individuals living within the protected reserve, around and within the camp and within a habitat highly impacted by anthropogenic change. All research follows strict animal handling protocol (鈥淚ACUC鈥�) as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CITES. These studies are ongoing.

The project gratefully acknowledges the support of the St. Louis Zoo, The National Geographic Society, The Lindbergh Fund, The John Ball Zoo Society, Primate Conservation Incorporated, The American Society of Primatologists, The University of North Dakota and the University of Colorado Dean鈥檚 Grant, Seed Grant and CU Grant-in Aid.

Habitat Fragmentation

Compare the forested areas below. The first is an intact forest within the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve. The second is altered forest for subsistence agriculture. The third is an area outside the reserve where cows and goats feed within lemur habitats.

Effect

Deforestation affects lemur feeding ecology. Some groups of lemurs now feed on sub-optimal foods or exploit human resources through crop-raiding. We are also looking at how habitat fragmentation may affect lemur ecology and health. For example, lemurs come into contact with local domestic animals as habitats degrade. On-going research will compare lemur health and ecology within both the camp and reserve habitats.

Lemur Examinations

Capture & Tagging

The lemurs are darted, immediately checked after capture and then brought back to camp for their health exam.

After capturing the lemurs they receive a collar and tag. A microchip (PIT tag) is inserted to aid in long-term identification.

Health Exams

We measure the lemurs to determine how habitat affects their growth and development. We:

  • measure skin folds to assess body fat.
  • make linear measurements.
  • collect hair samples for genetic studies
  • make dental casts of the lemur鈥檚 teeth and examine the teeth for wear patterns and for dental disease
  • collect blood samples to assess nutrition and disease
  • collect fecal samples to determine endo-parasites

Current Results

Dental abscesses occur due to infected, decaying canines. This is fairly common, as the skull of an unidentified individual found in the forest shows the same pattern.This male was born with a congenital defect, his left ear only partially developed.

Some individuals exhibit alopecia, hair loss. Males show this pattern more than females. Males show more wounds than females, including canine slashes on the arm and even across the nose. Many of these occur during the short mating season when males stink-fight over females. Our research indicates a strong connection between behavior and biology. For example, ring- tailed lemurs feed on Tamarinds which have string-like fibers. When they pull them through the side of their mouths, this results in differential wear on the teeth.

Release

The lemurs are safely released at the point of capture and do not remember the event.

Did you know that one type of lemur, the Aye-Aye, has teeth that looks more like a giant beaver than a primate?