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Decline of Propithecus diadema edwardsi and Varecia variegata variegata (Primates: Lemuridae) in south-east Madagascar

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2005

Shawn M. Lehman
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G3, Canada
Jonah Ratsimbazafy
Affiliation:
Also at: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Antananarivo, Madagascar Department of Paleontology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Andry Rajaonson
Affiliation:
Department of Paleontology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Sabine Day
Affiliation:
Department of Paleontology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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Abstract

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This paper describes the results of field surveys for two Endangered lemurs, Milne-Edward's sifaka Propithecus diadema edwardsi and the black and white ruffed lemur Varecia variegata variegata, in the unprotected Fandriana-Marolambo forest corridor in south-east Madagascar. Published range maps show P. d. edwardsi and V. v. variegata present in the corridor, although few surveys have been conducted in this area. A total of 292.9 km of surveys were conducted at eight sites in the corridor but P. d. edwardsi and V. v. variegata were each located at only one site. Absence of these species at other sites may be the combined result of altitudinal and anthropogenic effects. Conservation plans for P. d. edwardsi and V. v. variegata are complicated because gaps in forest cover prevent dispersal of conspecifics from nearby protected areas. Conservation authorities should be cautious in using range maps based on the presumed distribution of lemur species.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
© 2006 Fauna & Flora International