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Changes in behavior in free‐ranging Lemur catta following release in a natural habitat
Author(s) -
KeithLucas Timothy,
White Frances J.,
KeithLucas Lisa,
Vick Laura G.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
american journal of primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1098-2345
pISSN - 0275-2565
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-2345(1999)47:1<15::aid-ajp3>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - lemur catta , captivity , biology , foraging , lemur , ecology , dominance (genetics) , habitat , zoology , primate , biochemistry , gene
The adjustment of captive‐reared and developmentally deprived ringtailed lemurs ( Lemur catta ) to supported release on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia, was studied over 7 years to examine if these animals developed behavior comparable to wild populations. Initial changes after release included decreased obesity and increased agility as well as foraging for appropriate novel plants. Ranging, daily behavior cycles, and vocalizations developed more slowly over 1–3 years, but eventually the behavior resembled that of wild groups. Group composition and social structure changed through conflict to resemble wild and captive troops in social organization, including the emergence of matrilineal dominance and male emigration. Since behavior eventually resembled that seen in the wild, some resilience of species‐typical wild behavior in captivity is supported. Am. J. Primatol. 47:15–28, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.