Tree Huggers in Tampolo: Habitat Preferences for Three Nocturnal Lemur Species in Tampolo Protected Forest

This study aimed to further investigate the habitat preferences for three species of nocturnal lemurs found in the protected coastal forest of Tampolo on the east coast of Madagascar. For three weeks in April, 2016, I... [ view full abstract ]

This study aimed to further investigate the habitat preferences for three species of nocturnal lemurs found in the protected coastal forest of Tampolo on the east coast of Madagascar. For three weeks in April, 2016, I assessed density, tree preferences and ability to resist disturbance for M. rufus, A. laniger and C. major. In total, I walked 40 times on 10 transects. I observed M. rufus on 31 occasions and A. laniger in 18 occasions. I did not observe C. major. The Point-Centered Quarter (PCQ) method was used to compare the characteristics of trees selected by lemurs with other trees chosen randomly along the transects and measured. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of M. rufus trees were not statistically different from randomly selected trees, but these characteristics were statistically significant for A. laniger trees. The habitats of both lemurs were quite disturbed, suggesting that the Tampolo forest is a highly fragmented forest, but results also suggest that the lemurs are quite tolerant of this disturbance. Nevertheless, it is necessary to continue surveillance for the lemurs inhabiting Tampolo forest and that their habitats continue to be protected.