Lepilemur edwardsi (Forsyth Major, 1894)

Scientific name:

Lepilemur edwardsi

Scientist name:

(Forsyth Major, 1894)

Malagasy:

Repahaka, Boenga, Boengy, Kitrontro, Kitanta

English:

Milne-Edwards’ Sportive Lemur

German:

Milne-Edwards-Wieselmaki

Other english:

Milne-Edwards’ Weasel Lemur

French:

Lépilémur de Milne-Edwards’

Family:

LEPILEMURIDAE Gray, 1870

Taxa:

Lepilemur

Species

Identification

Lepilemur edwardsi is one of the larger sportive lemurs, with a head-body length of 26–29 cm, a tail length of 26–29 cm, and a total length of 52–58 cm (Louis et al., 2006b; Garbutt, 2007). Adult body weight may reach 1.1 kg (Smith and Jungers, 1997; Louis et al., 2006b). The dorsal coat, including the tail, is gray-brown, except at the tip. The shoulders, forelimbs and upper thighs are more chestnut-brown. Some individuals have a darker mid-dorsal stripe. The ventral coat is gray with creamy patches. The face is darkish gray to brown, and the ears are prominent. This species is most likely to be confused with Avahi occidentalis, which is similar in size and posture, but L. edwardsi can be distinguished by its darker color, pointed face and more prominent ears. Avahi also has larger, owl-like eyes, a woollier appearance, and distinctive white patches on its thighs, and often huddles closely with other family members.

Natural history

Lepilemur edwardsi is common in most places where it is found. It has been studied in dry deciduous forests in Ankarafantsika National Park, where its population density has been estimated at 60 individuals/km2 (Warren and Crompton, 1997a). Home ranges appear to be about one hectare in size, and are vigorously defended with loud vocalizations and displays of branch-shaking (Albignac, 1981a). Several individuals can be found sleeping in the same shelter during the day, but they tend to be solitary foragers during the night. As with other Lepilemur species leaves are a dietary mainstay, but fruit, flowers, and fleshy seeds are also eaten (Albignac, 1981b; Razanahoera-Rakotomalala, 1981; Ganzhorn, 1988; Warren and Crompton, 1997a, 1997b; Rasoloharijaona et al., 2000; Thalmann, 2001). Ganzhorn (1993) found that this sportive lemur ate lower quality leaves than at other field sites, a difference in diet that he attributed to food competition with Avahi. This lemur is most active in the first few hours after dusk, after which bouts of foraging are interspersed with periods of rest. Its most serious predator is the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox).

Geographic range

Milne-Edwards’ sportive lemur is found in the tropical dry lowland deciduous forests of western Madagascar (up to 450 m), from north of the Betsiboka River to the Bay of Loza and the Mahajamba River. This represents a much-reduced distribution compared to older accounts, but previous range descriptions were based on the incorrect assignment of a museum specimen (Zaramody et al., 2005). This new assessment is supported by strong genetic evidence (Pastorini et al., 2003; Louis et al., 2006b; Craul et al., 2007). Further study is needed north of Ankarafantsika National Park to determine the northern extent of the range of this species.

Conservation status

The most recent IUCN Red List assessment (2008) classified L. edwardsi as Vulnerable (VU). Threats include forest destruction, fires set to create new pasture for livestock, and, in some areas, hunting for food. The only protected area where this species occurs is Ankarafantsika National Park (Nicoll and Langrand, 1989). It may also be present in the forests surrounding the Anjajavy Hotel along the coast to the north of Mahajanga (= Majunga), but this remains to be confirmed. As of 2010, this species was not being kept in captivity (I. J. Porton, pers. comm.).

Where to see it

This species is most readily seen at the Ampijoroa Station in Ankarafantsika National Park, along the main road from Antananarivo to Mahajanga (= Majunga). It is easily found at night by its eye-shine and vocalizations, and can often be found in tree holes during the day as well, at times only one or two meters above the ground.

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Lepilemur edwardsi (Forsyth Major, 1894)

Species

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