Northern sportive lemur

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Northern sportive lemur
Lepilemur septentrionalis.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: Lepilemuridae
Genus: Lepilemur
Species:
L. septentrionalis
Binomial name
Lepilemur septentrionalis
Rumpler & Albignac, 1975 [3]
Lepilemur septentrionalis range map.svg
Distribution of L. septentrionalis [1]
Synonyms
  • sahafarensisRumpler & Albignac, 1975

The northern sportive lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis), also known as the Sahafary sportive lemur or northern weasel lemur, is a species of lemur in the family Lepilemuridae. It is endemic to Madagascar. As a result of severe ecological and human pressures, the lemur is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN Red List. [1]

Contents

Taxonomy

The genus Lepilemur was initially thought to comprise only 2 species: L. mustelinus and L. ruficaudatus, with the latter subdivided into 2 subspecies. [4] The genus was later reclassified as having only 1 species, mustelinus, with 5 subspecies. [5] In 1977, Petter et al. increased the species number of the genus to 7, at which point the species L. septentrionalis was demarcated, and classified as having 4 subspecies. [6] As 2 of these subspecies were not geographically distinct, the number of L. septentrionalis subspecies was eventually condensed to 2: L. s. septentrionalis and L. s. ankaranensis. [7] As a result of subsequent cytogenetic and molecular analyses, the 7 species of Lepilemur were confirmed by Rumpler et al., but the L. s. ankarensis subspecies was elevated to the status of full species, resulting in 8 species of lemur classified within the genus. [8] A further three molecular genetic studies have led to the inclusion of another 15 species of Lepilemur, making it the most diverse lemur genus at 23 species. [9] [10] In 2004, a study of the evolutionary relationships of various subpopulations of the northern sportive lemur was carried out, in which sequence analyses of the mitochondrial DNA of a large number of L. septentrionalis individuals from the different subpopulations were performed. A significant number of fixed differences present in the lemurs in the Sahafary region distinguished them from the lemurs in other regions, suggesting that the northern sportive lemur in fact exists as two separate cryptic species, most likely caused by chromosomal rearrangements in one of the L. septentrionalis evolutionary lineages. [11]

Description

L. septentrionalis is a sportive lemur, so named due to the boxing-like stance assumed by the lemur when threatened. [12] Northern sportive lemurs grow to a height of around 53 cm (21 in). They have a head and body length and tail length averaging at 25 and 28 cm (9.8 and 11.0 in) respectively, and weigh an average of 0.7 to 0.8 kg (1.5 to 1.8 lb). [13] Their diminutive size makes them one of the smallest species in the genus Lepilemur. Their ears are also relatively less prominent than in the other Lepilemur species. They have a grey underside and their fur coat is a grey-brown colour, which is darkest at the crown and moves down the dorsal line in a dark grey stripe, ending in the rump and the hind limbs as a paler grey. [13] The lemurs often adopt an upright vertical posture, using enlarged and fleshy digital pads on their hands and feet to cling tightly to tree branches. The lemurs can leap from this vertical position, making them an agile arboreal species. [14] Their forward-facing large eyes give the lemurs binocular vision. [13]

Distribution and habitat

The northern sportive lemur inhabits a highly restricted range in Northern Madagascar. The species is located from the left bank of the Loky River to the coast. [15] The natural habitat of the species consists of small patches of deciduous forests north of the Irodo River, [16] near the villages of Madirobe and Ankarongana in the Sahafary region and in the immediate vicinity of Andrahona, which is a small mountain that arises out lowlands south of Antsiranana. [17]

Behaviour

The northern sportive lemur is nocturnal, foraging for food at night and sleeping in the day. The lemurs sleep in holes or dense foliage in trees ranging from 1 to 8 metres (3.3 to 26.2 ft). Females will leave their young on a branch when foraging for food. Males are solitary and territorial, and their territories often overlap with many female home ranges. Male lemurs will aggressively defend their territories in the mating season. The male is generally thought to be loosely polygynous, [14] but it has been suggested that males can be monogamous. [18] L. septentrionalis individuals communicate through chemical communication in the form of latrine behaviour to mark territory, as well as vocal communication (calls). There are two main calls: a loud crow-like call and a contact rejection call. The loud call is used by the lemurs to reveal their presence and territorial claims to other individuals. [14] The contact rejection call is a series of resonant hisses followed by a two-phase vocalisation, most commonly heard when two individuals approach each other in the wild. The contact rejection call is also heard when conspecifics come into contact with each other in captivity, at which point they may also strike each other with their hands. [19]

Breeding intervalBreeding seasonAverage number of offspringRange gestation periodAverage weaning ageAverage time to independenceAverage age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Once per yearApril to August1120 to 150 days4 months1 year18 months18 months

Ecology

The northern sportive lemur is a foliovorous species, though they will also eat fruits and flowers to supplement their diet. Similarly to the other sportive lemurs, L. septentrionalis is caecotrophic, consuming its own faeces to digest food for a second time. [15] The species have large bacteria-filled ceca, which helps them to digest plant matter such as cellulose and break it down into sugars and starches.

Conservation

The northern sportive lemur is preyed on by the native Malagasy tree boa, which hunts the lemurs while they are sleeping in tree holes. Large birds of prey, Falconiformes and Strigiformes, are also natural predators of the lemurs. Along with these ecological threats, the arboreal lemur species are also highly threatened by human charcoal production, which still continues to remove the only remaining forest habitat of the lemurs, greatly restricting their range. L. septentrionalis is also illegally hunted as bushmeat. [12] This combination of threats has severely reduced the population of the lemurs to only a few hundred individuals, as estimated by the IUCN Red List. [1] They are classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List and are listed on CITES Appendix I, which only permits their trade in exceptional circumstances. [20] The known habitat range of the lemurs does not overlap with any protected areas, and although the Andrahona Forest is considered sacred in Madagascar, it shows signs of human incursion. [1]

Related Research Articles

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

The sportive lemurs are the medium-sized primates that make up the family Lepilemuridae. The family consists of only one extant genus, Lepilemur. They are closely related to the other lemurs and exclusively live on the island of Madagascar. For a time, this family was named Megaladapidae, but the current name was given precedence since the extinct genus Megaladapis was removed from the family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern lesser bamboo lemur</span> Species of lemur

The eastern lesser bamboo lemur, also known as the gray bamboo lemur, the gray gentle lemur, and the Mahajanga lemur is a small lemur endemic to Madagascar, with three known subspecies. As its name suggests, the eastern lesser bamboo lemur feeds mainly on bamboo. The lemurs of the genus Hapalemur have more manual dexterity and hand–eye coordination than most lemurs. They are vertical climbers and jump from stalk to stalk in thick bamboo forests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gray-backed sportive lemur</span> Species of lemur

The gray-backed sportive lemur, also known as Gray's sportive lemur or back-striped sportive lemur, is a species of lemur in the family Lepilemuridae. It is endemic to Madagascar. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-footed sportive lemur</span> Species of lemur

The white-footed sportive lemur, white-footed weasel lemur, or dry-bush weasel lemur is a species of lemur in the family Lepilemuridae, the sportive lemurs. It is similar in appearance to other lemurs in the family, with a grey back, a pale grey to white ventral side, and a light brown tail. It is a nocturnal animal that moves through the forest using a vertical clinging and leaping technique. It is endemic to Madagascar, inhabiting the southern subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It is threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture practices and charcoal production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Small-toothed sportive lemur</span> Species of primate from Madagascar

The small-toothed sportive lemur, or small-toothed weasel lemur, is a primate species in the family Lepilemuridae that—like all extant lemurs—is endemic to Madagascar. The species lives in dense rainforest in southeastern Madagascar, and can be found in Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks. Described in 1894, it was considered either a subspecies or taxonomic synonym of the weasel sportive lemur throughout most of the 20th century. Phylogenetic studies not only support its species status, but also suggest that it is the only eastern Malagasy sportive lemur that is more closely related to western than to other eastern species.

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

The Ankarana sportive lemur, or Ankarana weasel lemur, is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It is one of the smaller sportive lemurs with a total length of about 53 cm (21 in), including 25 cm (9.8 in) of tail. Average body weight is approximately 750 grams (1.65 lb). The Ankarana sportive lemur is found in northern Madagascar, living in dry lowland forests in Ankarana, Andrafiamena and Analamerana, and in moist montane forest of Montagne d'Ambre.

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

The Sahamalaza sportive lemur is a species of sportive lemur endemic to northern Madagascar.

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

Grewcock's sportive lemur, or the Anjiamangirana sportive lemur, is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It is a medium-sized sportive lemurs with a total length of about 55 to 63 cm, of which 26–30 cm (10–12 in) are tail. Grewcock's sportive lemur is found in northwestern Madagascar, living in dry deciduous forests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AEECL's sportive lemur</span> Species of mammal

The Antafia sportive lemur, or red-shouldered sportive lemur is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It has a total length of about 52 to 59 cm, of which 24–26 cm (9.4–10.2 in) are tail. The AEECL's sportive lemur is found in western Madagascar, living in dry deciduous forests.

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

Ahmanson's sportive lemur, or the Tsiombikibo sportive lemur, is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It is a relatively small sportive lemur with a total length of about 47 to 54 cm, of which 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in) are tail. Wright's sportive lemur is found in western Madagascar, living in dry forests.

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

Randrianasolo's sportive lemur, or the Bemaraha sportive lemur, is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It has a total length of about 49 to 56 cm, of which 21–26 cm (8.3–10.2 in) are tail. Randrianasolo's sportive lemur is found in western Madagascar.

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

Petter's sportive lemur is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It is one of 26 species in the genus Lepilemur. It is one of the smaller sportive lemurs with a total length of about 49 to 54 cm, of which 22–25 cm (8.7–9.8 in) are tail. Petter's sportive lemur is found in southwestern Madagascar, living in dry spiny forests and some gallery forests.

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

The Daraina sportive lemur is a sportive lemur endemic to Madagascar. It is a relatively small sportive lemur with a total length of about 49 to 56 cm, of which 24–27 cm (9.4–10.6 in) are tail.

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

Ramanantsoavana's woolly lemur, also known as Ramanantsoavana's avahi or the Manombo woolly lemur, is a species of woolly lemur native to southeastern Madagascar. It weighs about 1 kg. It was originally considered a subspecies of the southern woolly lemur, A. m. ramanantsoavana, but was elevated to a separate species in 2006 based on molecular, phenotypic and morphological data.

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

Mittermeier's sportive lemur is a sportive lemur endemic to the Ampasindava Peninsula in Madagascar.

Yves Rumpler, is a French researcher and primatologist. He was a professor of embryology and primatology at the Louis Pasteur University of Strasbourg until he retired in 2007.

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

Holland's sportive lemur, or the Mananara-Nord sportive lemur, is a sportive lemur that is endemic to Madagascar. It is one of 26 species in the genus Lepilemur. This lemur is found specifically in the Mananara-Nord Biosphere Reserve, but the limits of its habitat have yet to be determined. It lives in primary and secondary rainforests. Holland's sportive lemur was described in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taxonomy of lemurs</span> Science of describing species and defining the evolutionary relationships between taxa of lemurs

Lemurs were first classified in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus, and the taxonomy remains controversial today, with approximately 70 to 100 species and subspecies recognized, depending on how the term "species" is defined. Having undergone their own independent evolution on Madagascar, lemurs have diversified to fill many ecological niches normally filled by other types of mammals. They include the smallest primates in the world, and once included some of the largest. Since the arrival of humans approximately 2,000 years ago, lemurs have become restricted to 10% of the island, or approximately 60,000 square kilometers (23,000 sq mi), and many face extinction. Concerns over lemur conservation have affected lemur taxonomy, since distinct species receive increased conservation attention compared to subspecies.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Louis, E.E.; Bailey, C.A.; Frasier, C.L.; Sefczek, T.M.; Raharivololona, B.; Schwitzer, C.; Ratsimbazafy, J.; Wilmet, L.; Andriajaona, A.; Rasoamazava, L.; Rakotomalala, V.F.; Dinsmore, M. (2020). "Lepilemur septentrionalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T11622A115567059. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T11622A115567059.en . Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  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. p. 118. ISBN   0-801-88221-4. OCLC   62265494.
  4. ↑ Schwarz, Ernst (21 August 2009). "20. A Revision of the Genera and Species of Madagascar Lemuridae". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 101 (2): 399–428. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1931.tb01020.x.
  5. ↑ Petter, J. J.; Petter-Rousseaux, A. (1960). "Remarques Sur La Systématique du Genre Lepilemur". Mammalia. 24 (1). doi:10.1515/mamm.1960.24.1.76. S2CID   83740368.
  6. ↑ Petter, Jean-Jacques; et al. (1992). Le Génie animal. Paris: Nathan. ISBN   2-09-241042-3.
  7. ↑ Groves, Colin (2001). Primate taxonomy. Washington [u.a.]: Smithsonian Inst. Press. ISBN   978-1560988724.
  8. ↑ Rumpler, Yves; Prosper; Hauwy, Marcel; Rabarivola, Clément; Rakotoarisoa, Gilbert; Dutrillaux, Bernard (2002). "Chromosomal evolution of the Hapalemur griseus subspecies (Malagasy Prosimian), including a new chromosomal polymorphic cytotype". Chromosome Research. 10 (2): 145–153. doi:10.1023/A:1014953202718. PMID   11993935. S2CID   23728128.
  9. ↑ Louis Jr, Edward E; et al. (2006). Molecular and morphological analyses of the sportive lemurs (Family Megaladapidae: Genus Lepilemur) reveals 11 previously unrecognized species. Lubbock, TX: Museum of Texas Tech University. ISBN   1-929330-10-3.
  10. ↑ Rabarivola, C.; Zaramody, A.; Fausser, J.-L.; Andriaholinirina, N.; Roos, C.; Zinner, D.; et al. (2006). "Cytogenetic and molecular characteristics of a new species of sportive lemur from northern Madagascar" (PDF). Lemur News. 11: 45–49.
  11. ↑ Ravaoarimanana, IB; Tiedemann, R; Montagnon, D; Rumpler, Y (May 2004). "Molecular and cytogenetic evidence for cryptic speciation within a rare endemic Malagasy lemur, the Northern Sportive Lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis)". Molecular Phylogenetics & Evolution. 31 (2): 440–8. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2003.08.020. PMID   15062786.
  12. 1 2 Garbutt, Nick (2007). Mammals of Madagascar : a complete guide ([Rev.] ed.). New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN   978-0300125504.
  13. 1 2 3 Tattersall, Ian (1982). The primates of Madagascar. New York: Columbia Univ. Pr. ISBN   0231047045.
  14. 1 2 3 Fleagle, John G. (2013). Primate adaptation and evolution (3rd ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press. ISBN   978-0123786326.
  15. 1 2 Ratsirarson, J. (1987). Contribution a l'etude comparative de l'eco-ethologie de Lemur catta dans deux habitats differents de la Reserve Speciale de Beza-Mahafaly. Universite de Madagascar.
  16. ↑ Thornback, compiled by [for] the World Conservation Monitoring Centre by Caroline Harcourt with assistance from Jane (1990). Lemurs of Madagascar and the Comoros. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. ISBN   2880329574.
  17. ↑ Mittermeier, Russell A.; Ganzhorn, Jörg U.; Konstant, William R.; Glander, Kenneth; Tattersall, Ian; Groves, Colin P.; Rylands, Anthony B.; Hapke, Andreas; Ratsimbazafy, Jonah; Mayor, Mireya I.; Louis, Edward E.; Rumpler, Yves; Schwitzer, Christoph; Rasoloarison, Rodin M. (4 December 2008). "Lemur Diversity in Madagascar". International Journal of Primatology. 29 (6): 1607–1656. doi:10.1007/s10764-008-9317-y. hdl: 10161/6237 . S2CID   17614597.
  18. ↑ Jolly, Alison (1998). "Pair-Bonding, Female Aggression and the Evolution of Lemur Societies". Folia Primatologica. 69 (Suppl. 1): 1–13. doi:10.1159/000052693. PMID   9595685. S2CID   46767773.
  19. ↑ Martin, R.D.; Doyle, G.A., eds. (1979). The Study of prosimian behavior. New York: Academic Press. ISBN   978-0122221507.
  20. ↑ "Appendices I, II and III". CITES. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
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