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Conservation
editThreats in the wild
While predators may be a large threat to the black and white ruffed lemur, the principal threat to their survival comes from the human inhabitants of the island. Since they are comparatively large to other species of lemurs they are hunted as bushmeat by poachers and village men who are looking to feed their families [1]. Another threat to the lemurs is the agricultural practices of the local community. The slash-and-burn method of agriculture is very devastating to the natural habitat of the black and white ruffed lemur [2].
The black-and-white ruffed lemur is preyed upon by the Henst's goshawk (Accipiter henstii), fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), ring-tailed mongoose (Galidia elegans) and brown-tailed mongoose (Salanoia concolor). Nesting behavior poses the greatest risks for predation, especially mammalian predators.
Reintroduction
Black and White Ruffed Lemurs were part of a reintroduction program from 1997 to 2001, organized by the Madagascar Fauna Group and the Duke University Primate Center (now Duke Lemur Center). A total of 13 individuals that were born in human care in the United States were released at the Betampona Reserve, which is in their native range in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. Prior to being released, individuals were selected by the ruffed lemur Species Survival Plan based on genetic information, health status, life history, and behavioral traits [3].
All of the individuals underwent a “boot camp” program prior to release that gave the lemurs experience in a free-range naturally wooded environment [4]. During this time, the lemurs were able to improve their physical abilities in a forest canopy as well as forage for naturally growing food. The lemurs were released in 3 groups, each consisting of a family group or pairing, to mimic their natural grouping patterns.
Once released into the wild, the animals each had radio transmitting collars, to aid in the research and monitoring possibilities post-release. The lemurs were provided with some supplementary food and their health and behavior was monitored. At least 5 of the released individuals were killed by fossa, a native predator of lemurs, including a breeding pair that had previously raised triplets [5]. Of the surviving lemurs, at least 1 male successfully merged with an existing wild group and reproduced. Future reintroduction efforts are halted due to habitat degradation and fragmentation.
Notes
edit- ^ Golden, Christopher D. (2009). "Bushmeat hunting and use in the Makira Forest, north-eastern Madagascar: a conservation and livelihoods issue". Fauna & Flora International. Oryx: 1–7.
- ^ Lehman, Shawn M.; Ratsimbazafy, Jonah; Rajaonson, Andry; Day, Sabine (2006). "Decline of Propithecus diadema edwardsi and Varecia variegata variegata (Primates: Lemuridae) in south-east Madagascar". Oryx. 40 No 1: 108–111.
- ^ Britt, Adam; Welch, Charles; Katz, Andrea; Iambana, Bernard; Porton, Ingrid; Junge, Randall; Crawford, Graham; Williams, Cathy; Haring, David (2004). "The re-stocking of captive-bred ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata) into the Betampona Reserve, Madagascar: methodology and recommendations". BiodiversityandConservation. 13: 635–657.
- ^ Britt, Adam (1998). "Encouraging Natural Feeding Behavior inCaptive-Bred Black and White RuffedLemurs (Varecia variegata variegata)". Zoo Biology. 17: 379–392.
- ^ Britt, Adam; Welch, Charlie; Katz, Andrea (2001). "The Impact of Cryptoprocta ferox on the Varecia v.vareigata Reinforcement Project at Betampona". Lemur News. 6: 35–37.