Hapalemur meridionalis Warter et al., 1987

Scientific name:

Hapalemur meridionalis

Scientist name:

Warter et al., 1987

Malagasy:

Halo

English:

Southern Bamboo Lemur

German:

Südlicher Bambuslemur

Other english:

Rusty-gray Bamboo Lemur, Southern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Southern Gentle Lemur

French:

Hapalémur méridional

Family:

LEMURIDAE Gray, 1821

Taxa:

Hapalemur

Species

Identification

Hapalemur meridionalis was first proposed as a subspecies of H. griseus by Warter et al. (1987), based on cytogenetic studies as well as differences in body size and coloration. It is similar in size to Hapalemur griseus griseus and Hapalemur griseus gilberti, with a total length of 65–68 cm and a body weight of 840–870 g (Rabarivola et al., 2007; C. P. Groves, pers. comm.). Its coat color, however, is apparently darker and redder, the ears are longer, and the tail is shorter (Groves, 2001). Mutschler (2000) also found that the vocalizations of Hapalemur meridionalis distinguish it from Hapalemur populations to the north. In Andringitra National Park, this species is sympatric with Hapalemur aureus and Prolemur simus (Wright, 1992; Sterling and Ramoroson, 1996; Goodman et al., 2001). With a clear sighting, H. meridionalis 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

The behavior and ecology of this species are poorly known. Hapalemur meridionalis was first found in degraded littoral forests dominated by Ravenala madagascariensis and Pandanus, and with only patchy stands of bamboo (Mutschler and Tan, 2003), but it is now known to occur in subtropical moist lowland and montane forests up to 1,600 m. It is believed to live in relatively small groups (T. Mutschler, pers. comm.).

Geographic range

This is the southernmost of the bamboo lemurs. The type locality is the forestry station of Mandena, approximately 10 km north of Tolagnaro (= Fort-Dauphin) in southern Madagascar (Warter and Tattersall, 1994). Rabarivola et al. (2007) recorded it also at Andohahela National Park. A cytogenetic study indicated that an animal from the Atsimo region was a hybrid between this species and H. griseus ranomafanensis. At present, H. meridionalis would appear to be found from Mandena and the Andohahela region extending north. However, it has yet to be determined how far north it occurs or where the hybrid zone begins and ends (Rabarivola et al., 2007).

Conservation status

The most recent IUCN Red List assessment (2008) classified H. meridionalis as Vulnerable (VU). The principal threat is habitat loss due to slash-and-burn agriculture, but also due to charcoal production, logging, and mining. The species is reported to occur in three national parks (Andohahela, Andringitra, and Midongy du Sud), three special reserves (Kalambatritra, Manombo, and Pic d’ Ivohibe), and in the Mandena Conservation Zone (Feistner and Schmid, 1999; Rabarivola et al., 2007; P. C. Wright, pers. comm.). As of 2010, this species was not being kept in captivity (I. J. Porton, pers. comm.).

Where to see it

It is possible to see this species in the rain forest portion (Parcel 1) of Andohahela National Park, especially along the road to Col de Manangotry a few hours drive by car from Tolagnaro (= Fort-Dauphin). It can also be seen in the Mandena Conservation Zone and in the Jardin de Nampoana, approximately 20 minutes northeast of Tolagnaro. Visitors hoping to see it in this area can arrange for vehicles and hotels in Tolagnaro. Midongy du Sud National Park is another place to see H. meridionalis, but only the well-seasoned traveler should try this park, since the journey is difficult and can only be done during the drier months.

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Species

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Species

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