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Reproduction of the mongoose lemur ( Lemur mongoz ) in captivity
Author(s) -
Schaaf C. D.,
Stuart M. D.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430020103
Subject(s) - biology , lemur , captivity , reproduction , captive breeding , zoology , population , reproductive biology , prosimian , ecology , primate , fishery , endangered species , demography , embryo , sociology , habitat , embryogenesis
Responses to questionnaires sent to 20 institutions holding Lemur mongoz did not reveal which aspects of management or husbandry could account for reproductive failure in the captive population, but allowed some qualitative comparisons with data compiled for captive and wild animals. In general, reproduction has occurred initially among wild‐caught specimens before tapering off, and rarely occurs in the captive F 1 generation. Data compiled by the International Species Inventory System and the International Zoo Yearbook revealed an aging captive population with no recent reproduction. No aspect of group composition, activity patterns, seasonal light regime, reproductive cycles, or diet could be linked to the lack of reproduction; and among lemurs subjected to the same conditions, some were known to reproduce while others did not. Lack of knowledge about this species and the threat of extinction for both captive and wild populations make an investigation of reproductive biology imperative. Recommendations for a research program are given.