Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis Rabarivola et al. 2007

Scientific name:

Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis

Scientist name:

Rabarivola et al. 2007

Malagasy:

Bokombolo, Kotrika, Kontè (Ambalarondra region)

English:

Ranomafana Bamboo Lemur

German:

Ranomafana-Bambuslemur

Other english:

Ranomafana Gentle Lemur

French:

Hapalémur du Ranomafana

Family:

LEMURIDAE Gray, 1821

Taxa:

Hapalemur

Species

Identification

Hapalemur griseus ranomafanensis is approximately the same size as H. g. griseus, with a head-body length of around 30 cm, a tail length 37 cm, a total length 67 cm, and a weight of 700–850 g (Glander et al., 1992; Terranova and Coffman, 1997; Rabarivola et al., 2007; C. P. Groves, pers. comm.). The upperparts are gray to olive-gray, while the face and underparts are lighter. The tail is gray. The fur around the eyes is a paler gray, and the ears are small and rounded (Rabarivola et al., 2007). Males and females are similar in size. Bamboo lemurs are easy to identify. They are smaller and have shorter muzzles than do members of the genus Eulemur (the only other sympatric diurnal lemurs with which they might be confused). They are also usually associated with stands of bamboo. In Ranomafana National Park this subspecies is sympatric with H. aureus and Prolemur simus (Wright, 1992; Sterling and Ramoroson, 1996; Goodman et al., 2001). With a clear sighting, H. griseus ranomafanensis can be distinguished from H. aureus by its smaller size and lack of a golden-colored face, and from Prolemur simus by its much smaller size and the lack of prominent ear tufts.

Natural history

This is the best-studied of the three Hapalemur griseus subspecies. Home range size has been estimated to be as much as 15 to 20 ha at Ranomafana (Wright, 1989; Overdorff et al., 1999; Tan, 1999). Group size varies from two to seven, and groups can contain more than one breeding female (Pollock, 1986b; Tan, 1999). Territories are defended by scent-marking, vocal displays, and chasing. Both males and females are reported to disperse from their natal groups. Bamboo constitutes at least three-quarters of the diet, primarily new shoots and leaf bases to which these lemurs gain access by pulling new leaves from the end of a branch, biting the soft base, and discarding the tough leaf blade. Other food items include fig leaves, grass stems, young leaves, small fruits, flowers, and fungi (Wright, 1986; Overdorff et al., 1997; Tan, 1999). The birth season is essentially October–January, following a gestation of 137–140 days (Petter and Peyriéras, 1970a; Pollock, 1986b; Wright, 1990; Tan, 2000). Single infants are the rule, and the inter-birth interval is typically one year. Infants are first carried in the mother’s mouth, then on her back a few weeks after birth, and eventually she is able to “park” them for short periods while she forages (Tan, 2000).

Geographic range

This subspecies evidently occurs in two, widely separated population pockets in east-central and west-central Madagascar, respectively. In the east, it is known from the eastern forests to the south of the Mangoro and Onive rivers (except Beanamalao, which is the type locality of H. g. gilberti) in the forests of Ranomafana and Kianjavato. In the west, it has been reported from the western forests of Tsingy de Bemaraha, probably as far as the Betsiboka River (Rabarivola et al., 2007). Further field studies are required to determine the exact extent of the distribution of H. g. ranomafanensis, in particular the boundaries between it and neighboring forms of Hapalemur.

Conservation status

The conservation status of this subspecies has yet to be assessed. It is found in at least two protected areas (Ranomafana National Park and Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park) (Rabarivola et al., 2007). As of 2010, several individuals were being kept at Tsimbazaza Zoo, Madagascar (E. E. Louis Jr., pers. obs.).

Where to see it

This subspecies can be seen in Ranomafana National Park, most likely at dusk in stands of common bamboo. Opportunities exist in areas of dense bamboo in the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park as well.

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