Crowned sifaka

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Crowned sifaka
Propithecus coronatus 2.jpg
CITES Appendix I (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Strepsirrhini
Family: Indriidae
Genus: Propithecus
Species:
P. coronatus
Binomial name
Propithecus coronatus
Propithecus coronatus range map.svg
Distribution of P. coronatus [1]
Synonyms

The crowned sifaka (Propithecus coronatus) is a sifaka endemic to western Madagascar, a part of the world where nature and its biological diversity faces enormous and devastating consequences resulting from anthropogenic activities. [4] It is a species of lemur belonging to the Indriidae family, it is of comparable size to the Golden-crowned sifaka and up to a meter in length, of which 47-57 centimeters are tail. The species is an arboreal vertical climber and leaper whose diet consists of leaves, fruits and flowers. It is threatened by habitat destruction caused by human activities [5] [6] and is currently classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. [1] Conservation planning needs to take local people needs and views into account in order to be successful over the long term.

Contents

Taxonomy

The crowned sifaka was formerly believed to be a subspecies of either Verreaux's sifaka [7] or Von der Decken's sifaka, but is now considered a valid species following a 2007 analysis of the cranium. [8] Melanistic individuals observed in the southern part of its range, in areas neighboring Verreaux's sifaka and Von der Decken's sifaka s range, are the results of hybridation of Crowned sifakas with individuals of these two species. [6] [5] Only two melanistic forms have been documented so far: an intermediate and a dark one. [5]

Description

The crowned sifaka is a medium-sized sifaka who has a total length of 87 to 102 centimeters, of which 47-57 centimeters are tail, and 39.5 - 45.5 cm are the head and body. Males weigh 3.5-4.5 kg and 3.5-5.0 kg for females. [9] It is of comparable size to the golden-crowned sifaka, Von der Decken's sifaka and Verreaux's sifaka. The crowned sifaka is characterized by a creamy white body with tinges of golden brown around the shoulder region, upper chest and back with a dark chocolate or black head with white ear tufts. Their dark grey face is hairless and they have a white tail. Occasionally a pale patch across the bridge of the nose may be present. Crown sifaka color variations occur more commonly in the lower regions of the sifakas range between the Mahavavy and Manombolo rivers. [5] Melanistic forms have been documented, with most occurrences observed where the southern limit of its range overlaps with that of P. deckenii. [10] This apparent color variation among groups of Crowned sifakas living in the southern edges of their range, which they share with their close relatives P. deckenii and P. verrauxi, is the product of the gene flow of Crowned Sifakas with its neighboring species. [6] [5]

Distribution and habitat

A captive individual Propithecus coronatus 3.jpg
A captive individual

The crowned sifaka is found in the mangroves and dry deciduous [7] and riparian forests of northwest Madagascar. [10] [11] [12] Surveys have shown in the northern range of its habitat the crowned sifaka inhabits the forest between the Mahavavy River and Betsiboka River and extending south to the region of highly fragmented forests around the Tsiribihina River, Mahajilo River, and Mania River. [10] [6] The species hasn't been reported southern than Ambolando, near Dabolava. [7] [6] It is believed that Mania River is the southern limit of its range, where it meets with P.verrauxi's range. [5] The total population size in 2014 was estimated as 4,000-36,000 individuals, at densities of 46-309 individuals/km2 in different-sized forest fragments, with an average group size of 2-8 individuals per group. [1] [12] Estimates remain uncertain since only part of the range has been surveyed so far. Total area of occupancy is thought to be 2,690-4,493 km2. [12] Furthermore, while it has been assessed by the IUCN that its population has decreased by at least 80% in the last 3 decades, [4] it is expected to decrease by another 80% in the following 3 decades. [1]

Ecology

The crowned sifaka is a diurnal animal, [7] primarily active during the day. It spends a majority of its time resting with the remainder mostly devoted to feeding. [13] It frequents the upper stories of large trees and often is found in tree crowns. Depending on season, it feeds on young or mature leaves, ripe and unripe fruits and great quantities of flowers. [1] This species is essential for the biodiversity of its habitat since it is unconsciously and constantly working on restoring it. They do so through the scattering of their excrements containing seeds of various ingested fruits . [12]

Group size is between 2 and 8 individuals [7] and contains a balanced number of females and males in each group. [9] One dominant female is found in each group. [9] [14] Social behavior within groups entails mostly allogrooming of other group members, agonistic behavior, and play as well as scent marking and call-localization. [14] Reproduction is seasonal, with gestation lasting 5–6 months and estrus lasting 4 months. Within the typical estrus period a female may have 3-5 estruses per reproductive season. Reproduction in the crowned sifaka has rarely been observed, and what little is known about it has been documented in the captive population at the Paris Zoological Park. [9] However, it is known that reproduction process is very low for the species, with females having new offsprings only every 2 to 3 years. [7]

Conservation

The very restricted range and fragmented populations of the crowned sifaka are major concerns for the continuation of this species. Habitat destruction, forest fragmentation, slash and burn agriculture, capture for illegal pet trade, and illegal hunting constitute major threats. [1] [12] These disruptions, coupled with the slow pace at which the species reproduce, slows even more the regeneration of the species and its habitats. [12] The species is currently listed by the IUCN Red List as critically endangered according to A2acd criteria, [1] and is listed as CITES Appendix I. [2] Additionally, the crowned sifaka population is expected to decline by another 32% in the nearby future due to habitat fragmentation and the resulting time-lagged effect. This effect can be described as the postponed impoverishment of a forest fragment conditions and resources essential for the inhabiting populations, after being separated and isolated from the rest of the forest for a certain period of time. [4] Some of the larger populations are found in protected areas, however much of its range remain relatively unexplored as they are labeled as politically “dangerous” zones. Looking more in depth into these area is of critical need for the long term survival of this species. [6] Conservation measures should be enforced in these area if we want to preserve the color variations of P. coronatus and be able to study it more closely to get a better understanding of how these varying fur pigmentations occur. [5] [6] The 2009 Malagasy political crisis led to lawlessness across Madagascar and ultimately led to increased poaching of the sifaka for food as a delicacy in restaurants. [12] However, in order to establish effective conservation measures, a greater participation of locals would be required, along with gaining more knowledge about the species, and a need to focus on ensuring that the rest of available suitable habitats are protected along with an intent to reconnect forest fragments. [6] [7] [15] The first successful captive breeding population of crowned sifaka happened in 1994 and was coordinated by the Paris Zoological Park in Paris under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indriidae</span> Family of lemurs

The Indriidae are a family of strepsirrhine primates. They are medium- to large-sized lemurs, with only four teeth in the toothcomb instead of the usual six. Indriids, like all lemurs, live exclusively on the island of Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sifaka</span> Genus of lemur

A sifaka is a lemur of the genus Propithecus from the family Indriidae within the order Primates. The name of their family is an onomatopoeia of their characteristic "shi-fak" alarm call. Like all lemurs, they are found only on the island of Madagascar. All species of sifakas are threatened, ranging from endangered to critically endangered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lemur</span> Clade of primates endemic to the island of Madagascar

Lemurs are wet-nosed primates of the superfamily Lemuroidea, divided into 8 families and consisting of 15 genera and around 100 existing species. They are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Most existing lemurs are small, have a pointed snout, large eyes, and a long tail. They chiefly live in trees and are active at night.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Verreaux's sifaka</span> Species of lemur

Verreaux's sifaka, or the white sifaka, is a medium-sized primate in one of the lemur families, the Indriidae. Critically Endangered, it lives in Madagascar and can be found in a variety of habitats from rainforest to dry deciduous forests of western Madagascar and the spiny thickets of the south. Its fur is thick and silky and generally white with brown on the sides, top of the head, and on the arms. Like all sifakas, it has a long tail that it uses as a balance when leaping from tree to tree. However, its body is so highly adapted to an arboreal existence, on the ground its only means of locomotion is hopping. The species lives in small troops which forage for food.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crowned lemur</span> Species of lemur

The crowned lemur is a lemur that is 31–36 cm (12–14 in) long and weighs 2 kg (4.4 lb). Its tail is about 42–51 cm (17–20 in) long.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diademed sifaka</span> Species of lemur

The diademed sifaka, or diademed simpona, is an endangered species of sifaka, one of the lemurs endemic to certain rainforests in eastern Madagascar. Along with the indri, this species is one of the two largest living lemurs, with an average weight of 6.5 kg and a total adult length of approximately 105 centimetres (41 inches), half of which is its tail. Russell Mittermeier, one of the contemporary authorities on lemurs, describes the diademed sifaka as "one of the most colorful and attractive of all the lemurs", having a long and silky coat. P. diadema is also known by the Malagasy names simpona, simpony and ankomba joby. The term "diademed sifaka" is also used as a group species designation formerly encompassing four distinct subspecies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coquerel's sifaka</span> Diurnal, medium-sized lemur

Coquerel's sifaka is a diurnal, medium-sized lemur of the sifaka genus Propithecus. It is native to northwest Madagascar. Coquerel's sifaka was once considered to be a subspecies of Verreaux's sifaka, but was eventually granted full species level, and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting. In popular culture, it is known for being the species of the title character in the children's TV show Zoboomafoo. The species was named after French entomologist Charles Coquerel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden-crowned sifaka</span> A medium-sized lemur with mostly white fur, prominent furry ears, and a golden-orange crown

The golden-crowned sifaka or Tattersall's sifaka is a medium-sized lemur characterized by mostly white fur, prominent furry ears, and a golden-orange crown. It is one of the smallest sifakas, weighing around 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) and measuring approximately 90 cm (35 in) from head to tail. Like all sifakas, it is a vertical clinger and leaper, and its diet includes mostly seeds and leaves. The golden-crowned sifaka is named after its discoverer, Ian Tattersall, who first spotted the species in 1974. However, it was not formally described until 1988, after a research team led by Elwyn L. Simons observed and captured some specimens for captive breeding. The golden-crowned sifaka most closely resembles the western forest sifakas of the P. verreauxi group, yet its karyotype suggests a closer relationship with the P. diadema group of eastern forest sifakas. Despite the similarities with both groups, more recent studies of its karyotype support its classification as a distinct species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silky sifaka</span> A large lemur from Madagascar

The silky sifaka is a large lemur characterized by long, silky, white fur. It has a very restricted range in northeastern Madagascar, where it is known locally as the simpona. It is one of the rarest mammals on Earth. The silky sifaka is one of nine sifaka species, and one of four former subspecies of diademed sifaka (P. diadema). Studies in 2004 and 2007 compared external proportions, genetics, and craniodental anatomy supporting full species status, which has generally been accepted.

Analamerana Special Reserve is a 347 square kilometres (134 sq mi) wildlife reserve in the north of Madagascar. The reserve was created in 1956 to protect its endemic plants and animals, such as the critically endangered Perrier's sifaka, which is considered to be one of the most endangered primates in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perrier's sifaka</span> Species of lemur

Perrier's sifaka is a lemur endemic to Madagascar. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of diademed sifaka It has a very small range in northeastern Madagascar where its habitat is dry deciduous or semihumid forest. Part of its range is in protected areas. It is an almost entirely black sifaka and measures about 90 cm (35 in), half of which is a bushy tail. Females are slightly larger than males.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Von der Decken's sifaka</span> Species of lemur

Von der Decken's sifaka is a sifaka lemur that is endemic to the arid, deciduous and spiny succulent forests of Western Madagascar. It has a length of 92 to 107 centimeters, of which 42-48 centimeters are tail. The species is named in honor of the German explorer Karl Klaus von der Decken.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arnhold's mouse lemur</span> Species of lemur

Arnhold's mouse lemur or the Montagne d'Ambre mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur endemic to Madagascar. Its holotype was first collected on 27 November 2005, and was first described in 2008. According to genetic tests, it is genetically distinct from its closest sister taxa, the Sambirano mouse lemur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Margot Marsh's mouse lemur</span> Species of lemur

Margot Marsh's mouse lemur or the Antafondro mouse lemur is a species of mouse lemur endemic to Madagascar. Its holotype was first collected on 21 May 2006, proposed in 2006 by Andriantompohavana et al., and was formally described in 2008 by E. Lewis, Jr., et al. According to genetic tests, it is genetically distinct from its closest sister taxon, Claire's mouse lemur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milne-Edwards's sifaka</span> Species of lemur

Milne-Edwards's sifaka, or Milne-Edwards's simpona, is a large arboreal, diurnal lemur endemic to the eastern coastal rainforest of Madagascar. Milne-Edwards's sifaka is characterized by a black body with a light-colored "saddle" on the lower part of its back. It is closely related to the diademed sifaka, and was until recently considered a subspecies of it. Like all sifakas, it is a primate in the family Indriidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lemurs' Park</span> Bonatical garden and reserve in Madagascar

Lemurs' Park is a small botanical garden and lemur reserve covering 5 ha, and is located 22 km (14 mi) southwest of Antananarivo, Madagascar. It was founded around 2000 by Laurent Amouric and Maxime Allorge. Most of its nine lemur species are free-ranging within the park, which also contains more than 70 of Madagascar's endemic plant species. The park is open to the public, offering guided tours as well as standard amenities, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Visitors can arrange transportation between downtown Antananarivo and Lemurs' Park on a private park shuttle.

Analavelona, also known as Analavelona Massif, is a mountain in southwestern Madagascar. The massif is home to an enclave of montane subhumid forest, which is considered a sacred forest by the local people and notable for its biodiversity.

References

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  2. 1 2 "Checklist of CITES Species". CITES. UNEP-WCMC. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
  3. ↑ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN   0-801-88221-4. OCLC   62265494.
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  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rakotonirina, Laingoniaina Herifito Fidèle; Randriantsara, Fetraharimalala; Rakotoarisoa, Andoniaina Harilala; Rakotondrabe, Rado; Razafindramanana, Josia; Ratsimbazafy, Jonah; King, Tony (2014). "A Preliminary Assessment of Sifaka (Propithecus) Distribution, Chromatic Variation and Conservation in Western Central Madagascar". Primate Conservation. 28: 43–53. doi: 10.1896/052.028.0116 . ISSN   0898-6207. S2CID   17107061.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Razafindramanana, Josia; Rasamimanana, Rija (2010). The Newsletter of the Madagascar Section of the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group (15 ed.). Lemur News. pp. 23–25.
  8. ↑ Groves, Colin; Helgen, Kristofer (2006-11-01). "Craniodental Characters in the Taxonomy of Propithecus". Int J Primatol. 28 (6): 1363–1383. doi:10.1007/s10764-007-9226-5. hdl: 1885/35492 . S2CID   22899861.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Roullet, Delphine (2014). "The European Captive Population of Crowned Sifaka: 25 Years of Management". Primate Conservation. 28: 99–107. doi: 10.1896/052.028.0118 . S2CID   86664254.
  10. 1 2 3 Andriamasimanana, Rado; Cameron, Alison (2014). "Spatio-Temporal Change in Crowned (Propithecus Coronatus) and Decken's Sifaka (Propithecus Deckenii) Habitat in the Mahavavy-Kinkony Wetland Complex, Madagascar". Primate Conservation. 28: 65–71. doi: 10.1896/052.028.0102 . S2CID   18414051.
  11. ↑ Garbutt, Nick (2007). Mammals of Madagascar, A Complete Guide. pp. 197–198.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Salomona, Jordi; Rasolondraibe, Emmanuel; Fabien, Jan; Besolo, Aubin; Rakotoarisoa, Heriniaina; Meyler, Sam Viana; Wolhauser, Sebastien; Rabarivola, Clement; Chikhi, Lounes (2014). "Conservation Status and Abundance of the Crowned Sifaka (Propithecus Coronatus)" (PDF). Primate Conservation. 28: 73–83. doi:10.1896/052.028.0122. hdl:10400.7/563. S2CID   2868626.
  13. ↑ Pichon, Claire; Tarnaud, Laurent; Bayart, Francoise; Hiadik, Annette; Hiadik, Claude Marcel; Simmen, Bruno (2010). "Feeding Ecology of the Crowned Sifaka (Propithecus Coronatus) in a Coastal Dry Forest in Northwest Madagascar (SUFM, Antrema)". Lemur News. 15: 43–47. Retrieved 2016-03-09.
  14. 1 2 Ramanamisata, Rivo; Pichon, Claire; Razafindraibe, Hanta; Simmen, Bruno (2014). "Social Behavior and Dominance of the Crowned Sifaka (Propithecus Coronatus) on Northwestern Madagascar". Primate Conservation. 28: 93–97. doi: 10.1896/052.028.0117 . S2CID   1470012.
  15. ↑ Hawkins, Melissa T. R.; Bailey, Carolyn A.; Brown, Allyshia M.; Tinsman, Jen; Hagenson, Ryan A.; Culligan, Ryan R.; Barela, Adena G.; Randriamanana, Jean C.; Ranaivoarisoa, Jean F.; Zaonarivelo, John R.; Louis, Edward E. (2022). "Nuclear and Mitochondrial Phylogenomics of the Sifakas Reveal Cryptic Variation in the Diademed Sifaka". Genes. 13 (6): 1026. doi: 10.3390/genes13061026 . ISSN   2073-4425. PMC   9223071 . PMID   35741788.
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