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Wang R, Yao B, Tan Z, Mao C, Ma Y, Qu J. Effect of Warming on Personality of Mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis) and Medaka Fish ( Oryzias latipes). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2101. [PMID: 39061563 PMCID: PMC11273402 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Global warming may accelerate the process of biological invasions, and invasive species that can quickly adapt to new environments will have a negative impact on native species. Animal personalities have significant implications for ecology and evolution. However, few studies have simultaneously examined the combined effects of climate warming and biological invasions on native species. In this study, we hypothesized that temperature was positively correlated with personality, and invasive species had stronger personalities than native species. Accordingly, we established control (20 °C) and warming groups (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C) to rear mosquitofish and medaka fish, individuals acclimatized to rearing temperatures for 7 days, then measured their personalities (sociability, exploration, novelty, and boldness). The results showed that individuals exhibited repeatable variation along the four behavioral axes across all temperature conditions, providing evidence for the presence of personalities. Significant positive correlations were found between each pair of behaviors, indicating the presence of behavioral syndrome. Sociability and exploration were most affected by temperature, showing increasing trends in sociability, exploration, and novelty in both invasive and native species with rising temperatures. Compared to medaka fish, mosquitofish exhibited higher exploration and lower sociability at elevated temperatures, while showing little change in boldness. Our results provide evidence that increased temperatures may promote biological invasions and pose a potential threat to the survival of native species. These findings are significant for understanding the complex impacts of climate change on ecosystems and for formulating effective biodiversity preservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China; (R.W.); (Z.T.)
- Sanjiangyuan Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (B.Y.); (C.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Animal and Plant Resources of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province, Xining 810008, China
| | - Baohui Yao
- Sanjiangyuan Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (B.Y.); (C.M.)
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, People’s Government of Qinghai Province and Beijing Normal University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Zhaoxian Tan
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China; (R.W.); (Z.T.)
- Sanjiangyuan Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (B.Y.); (C.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Animal and Plant Resources of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province, Xining 810008, China
| | - Chengjie Mao
- Sanjiangyuan Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (B.Y.); (C.M.)
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, People’s Government of Qinghai Province and Beijing Normal University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yonggui Ma
- School of Life Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China; (R.W.); (Z.T.)
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Animal and Plant Resources of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province, Xining 810008, China
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, People’s Government of Qinghai Province and Beijing Normal University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jiapeng Qu
- Sanjiangyuan Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; (B.Y.); (C.M.)
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, People’s Government of Qinghai Province and Beijing Normal University, Xining 810016, China
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Batist CH, Dufourq E, Jeantet L, Razafindraibe MN, Randriamanantena F, Baden AL. An integrated passive acoustic monitoring and deep learning pipeline for black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23599. [PMID: 38244194 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The urgent need for effective wildlife monitoring solutions in the face of global biodiversity loss has resulted in the emergence of conservation technologies such as passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). While PAM has been extensively used for marine mammals, birds, and bats, its application to primates is limited. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) are a promising species to test PAM with due to their distinctive and loud roar-shrieks. Furthermore, these lemurs are challenging to monitor via traditional methods due to their fragmented and often unpredictable distribution in Madagascar's dense eastern rainforests. Our goal in this study was to develop a machine learning pipeline for automated call detection from PAM data, compare the effectiveness of PAM versus in-person observations, and investigate diel patterns in lemur vocal behavior. We did this study at Mangevo, Ranomafana National Park by concurrently conducting focal follows and deploying autonomous recorders in May-July 2019. We used transfer learning to build a convolutional neural network (optimized for recall) that automated the detection of lemur calls (57-h runtime; recall = 0.94, F1 = 0.70). We found that PAM outperformed in-person observations, saving time, money, and labor while also providing re-analyzable data. Using PAM yielded novel insights into V. variegata diel vocal patterns; we present the first published evidence of nocturnal calling. We developed a graphic user interface and open-sourced data and code, to serve as a resource for primatologists interested in implementing PAM and machine learning. By leveraging the potential of this pipeline, we can address the urgent need for effective primate population surveys to inform conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly H Batist
- Department of Anthropology, City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, New York, USA
- Rainforest Connection (RFCx), Katy, Texas, USA
| | - Emmanuel Dufourq
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Muizenberg, South Africa
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- National Institute for Theoretical & Computational Sciences, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Research and Innovation Centre, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Lorène Jeantet
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Muizenberg, South Africa
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- National Institute for Theoretical & Computational Sciences, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Mendrika N Razafindraibe
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Institut International de Science Sociale, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Andrea L Baden
- Department of Anthropology, City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York, USA
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3
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Chaudhary N, Page AE, Salali GD, Dyble M, Major-Smith D, Migliano AB, Vinicius L, Thompson J, Viguier S. Hunter-Gatherer children's close-proximity networks: Similarities and differences with cooperative and communal breeding systems. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2024; 6:e11. [PMID: 38516373 PMCID: PMC10955362 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2024.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Among vertebrates, allomothering (non-maternal care) is classified as cooperative breeding (help from sexually mature non-breeders, usually close relatives) or communal breeding (shared care between multiple breeders who are not necessarily related). Humans have been described with both labels, most frequently as cooperative breeders. However, few studies have quantified the relative contributions of allomothers according to whether they are (a) sexually mature and reproductively active and (b) related or unrelated. We constructed close-proximity networks of Agta and BaYaka hunter-gatherers. We used portable remote-sensing devices to quantify the proportion of time children under the age of 4 spent in close proximity to different categories of potential allomother. Both related and unrelated, and reproductively active and inactive, campmates had substantial involvement in children's close-proximity networks. Unrelated campmates, siblings and subadults were the most involved in both populations, whereas the involvement of fathers and grandmothers was the most variable between the two populations. Finally, the involvement of sexually mature, reproductively inactive adults was low. Where possible, we compared our findings with studies of other hunter-gatherer societies, and observed numerous consistent trends. Based on our results we discuss why hunter-gatherer allomothering cannot be fully characterised as cooperative or communal breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1QH, UK
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Abigail E. Page
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical and Medicine, LondonWC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Gul Deniz Salali
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Mark Dyble
- Leverhulme Centre for Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB2 1QH, UK
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Daniel Major-Smith
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BristolBS8 2BN, UK
| | - Andrea B. Migliano
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Vinicius
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057Zürich, Switzerland
| | - James Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
| | - Sylvain Viguier
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, LondonWC1H 0BW, UK
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Beeby N, Baden AL, Higham JP. Urinary C-peptide and total triiodothyronine as energetic biomarkers for studies of lemurs. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23563. [PMID: 37855395 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Measuring energy balance and energy metabolism can provide crucial information for understanding the ecological and behavioral drivers of an animal's energetic and physiological condition. Both urinary C-peptide (uCP) of insulin and urinary total triiodothyronine (uTT3) have been validated as noninvasive biomarkers of energy balance and metabolic activity in haplorrhine primates. This study attempts to validate uCP and uTT3 measures in strepsirrhines, a phylogenetically distinct primate clade, using the ruffed lemur (genus Varecia) as a model. We experimentally manipulated the diet of captive black-and-white (Varecia variegata) and red (Varecia rubra) ruffed lemurs at Duke Lemur Center across a 4-week period. We collected urine samples from subjects (n = 5) each day during 1 week of control diet, 2 weeks of calorie-restricted diet and 1 week of refeeding, designed to temporarily reduce energy balance and metabolism. We also tested the outcome of filter paper as a storage method by comparing to controls (frozen at -20°C) to assess its suitability for studies of wild populations. We successfully measured uCP and uTT3 levels in frozen urine samples using commercial enzyme immunoassay kits and found that both biomarkers were excreted at lower concentrations (C-peptide: 1.35 ng/mL, 54% reduction; TT3: 1.5 ng/mL, 37.5% reduction) during calorie-restricted periods compared to normal diet periods. Filter paper recovery for uCP was 19%, though values were significantly positively correlated with frozen control samples. uTT3 could not be recovered at measurable concentrations using filter paper. These methods enable noninvasive measurement of energetic conditions in wild strepsirrhines and subsequent assessment of relationships between energy balance and numerous socioecological drivers in primate populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Beeby
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea L Baden
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, New York, USA
| | - James P Higham
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Batist CH, Razafindraibe MN, Randriamanantena F, Baden AL. Bioacoustic characterization of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) vocal repertoire. Primates 2023; 64:621-635. [PMID: 37584832 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Ruffed lemurs (Varecia spp.) exhibit a unique suite of behavioral traits compared to other lemur species, which includes their fluid fission-fusion social dynamics, communal rearing of parked litters, and pronounced frugivory in their humid rainforest habitats. Given these traits, and the dense rainforests they inhabit, vocal communication may be key to maintaining social cohesion, coordinating infant care, and/or defending their high-quality food resources. Indeed, they are known for their raucous 'roar-shriek' calls. However, there has been surprisingly little research on vocal communication in Varecia species and only two previously published repertoires, both of which were qualitative descriptions of their calls. In this study, we quantitatively examined the vocal repertoire of wild black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) at Mangevo, Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We characterized 11 call types using 33 bioacoustic parameters related to frequency, duration, tonality, and composition. We also used discriminant function analysis and hierarchical clustering to quantitatively and objectively classify call types within the black-and-white ruffed lemur vocal repertoire. The repertoire consists of both monosyllabic and multisyllabic calls that are individually given or emitted in contagious choruses. Eight of the 11 calls were also used in combination or in larger multi-call sequences. The discriminant function analysis correctly assigned call types with 87% success, though this varied greatly by call type (1-65%). Hierarchical clustering identified 3-4 robust clusters, indicating low clustering structure in the data and suggesting that V. variegata exhibits a graded vocal repertoire. Future work should consider the environmental and behavioral contexts in which calls are used to better understand the function of these call types and combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Batist
- Department of Anthropology, The CUNY Graduate Center, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA.
- Rainforest Connection (RFCx), Katy, TX, USA.
| | - M N Razafindraibe
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Institut International de Science Sociale, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - A L Baden
- Department of Anthropology, The CUNY Graduate Center, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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6
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Beeby N, Rothman JM, Baden AL. Nutrient balancing in a fruit-specialist primate, the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23484. [PMID: 36891766 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Animals' foraging behavior and dietary choices are, in part, driven by their ultimate function: to meet nutritional demands. However, depending on their degree of dietary specialization and the availability and distribution of food resources in their environment, species may utilize different nutritional strategies. With shifting plant phenology, increasing unpredictability of fruiting, and declining food quality in response to anthropogenic climate change, existing nutritional constraints may become exacerbated. Such changes are especially concerning for Madagascar's endemic fruit specialists given the nutrient-limitation of the island's landscapes. In this study, we examined the nutritional strategy of one such fruit-specialist primate, the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), over a 12-month period (January to December 2018) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We hypothesized that Varecia would balance nonprotein energy (NPE) to protein (AP) at a high ratio similar to other frugivorous primates, and that they would prioritize protein intake given their high degree of frugivory. We found that Varecia balance NPE:AP at a ratio of 11:1, higher than in any other primate studied to date; however, diets shifted such that nutrient balancing varied seasonally (12.6:1 abundant-9.6:1 lean). Varecia meet NRC suggested recommendations of 5-8% of calories from protein, despite having a diet mostly comprising fruits. However, seasonal shifts in NPE intakes result in significant energy shortfalls during fruit-lean seasons. Flowers provide an important source of NPE during these periods, with flower consumption best predicting lipid intake, suggesting this species' ability to shift resource use. Nevertheless, achieving adequate and balanced nutrient intakes may become precarious in the face of increasing unpredictability in plant phenology and other environmental stochasticities resulting from climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Beeby
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, USA.,The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, USA
| | - Jessica M Rothman
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, USA.,The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea L Baden
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of City University of New York, New York, USA.,The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP), New York, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, USA
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Chen YQ, Han S, Yin B. Why help others? Insights from rodent to human early childhood research. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1058352. [PMID: 37025110 PMCID: PMC10070705 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1058352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Helping behavior are actions aiming at assisting another individual in need or to relieve their distress. The occurrence of this behavior not only depends on automated physiological mechanisms, such as imitation or emotional contagion, that is, the individual's emotion and physiological state matching with others, but also needs motivation to sustain. From a comparative and developmental perspective, we discover that the motivation for helping behavior has a deep foundation both phylogenetically and ontogenetically. For example, empathic concern for others, relieving personal distress and the desire for social contact are universal motivations across rodents, non-human primates and human early childhoods. Therefore, a circle-layered model integrating evidences for motivation for helping behavior from rodent to human early childhood research is proposed: the inner circle contains the emotional-behavioral system and the outer circle contains the affective-cognitive system. The application of this model has significance for both behavioral neuroscience research and cultivating prosocial behavior in human society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qin Chen
- Laboratory of Learning and Behavioral Sciences, School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shu Han
- Laboratory of Learning and Behavioral Sciences, School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bin Yin
- Laboratory of Learning and Behavioral Sciences, School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Yin,
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8
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Guilfoyle KJ, McIntosh AM, Hatch KA. Seasonal differences in hair growth rates of captive aye-aye, red ruffed, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:112-118. [PMID: 35733330 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hair can be an important source of biological information, providing a record of such things as pollutant exposure, hormonal levels, and stable isotope ratios. Hair as a biological sample is easily accessible, easily stored, and resists degradation. Analysis of hair is particularly useful when studying rare and endangered species, such as lemurs, since it can be sampled noninvasively. However, to better interpret the results of stable isotope or other analyses, it is important to understand hair growth rates. We measured hair growth rates in captive aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), red ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra), and black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata), both in winter (December 23, 2013, to January 13, 2014) and summer (July 10-31, 2013) at the Duke Lemur Center. Hair growth per week in all three species of lemurs differed significantly between the boreal summer and boreal winter. The aye-aye, black-and-white ruffed lemur, red ruffed lemur had a mean weekly hair growth of 0.195, 0.209, and 0.232 cm, respectively, in the summer. While the aye-aye, black-and-white ruffed lemur, and red ruffed lemur had a mean weekly hair growth of 0.239, 0.464, and 0.479 cm, respectively, in winter. We found no effect of age on hair growth rates, neither in the boreal summer, nor in the boreal winter for black-and-white ruffed lemurs and red ruffed lemurs. A pregnant black-and-white ruffed female displayed negligible hair growth during the northern winter, suggesting that pregnancy may affect the partitioning of resources away from such things as hair growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Guilfoyle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Apryl M McIntosh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
| | - Kent A Hatch
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, USA
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HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF BLACK-AND-WHITE RUFFED LEMURS ( VARECIA VARIEGATA) IN RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK, MADAGASCAR. J Zoo Wildl Med 2022; 52:1095-1104. [PMID: 34998278 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Anthropocene is a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. Human pressures including climate change and emerging infectious diseases are presenting new challenges to wildlife, requiring vigilance and monitoring of wild populations to ensure their persistence. In order to monitor fluctuations in health, baseline data from long-term studies are required. Clinical laboratory data on 80 black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata), derived from the capture of 98 individuals spanning six field seasons are presented. Serum biochemical profiles showed variation between years that remained within published reference intervals for the species, with the exception of total bilirubin in 2008, and creatine kinase and chloride in 2019. Serum trace minerals and fat-soluble vitamin values also fluctuated between years and are within ranges seen in other lemur species. These results, combined with previously published data on ectoparasite load and population genetic diversity, suggest that the Mangevo ruffed lemur population is healthy and can provide important and valuable baseline data for comparisons moving forward.
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Factors affecting call usage in wild black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) at Mangevo, Ranomafana National Park. Primates 2021; 63:79-91. [PMID: 34677705 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-021-00956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Vocal communication is an important modality for group-living primates inhabiting dense forest habitats that can hinder visual and olfactory signals. Nevertheless, research on primate vocalizations has historically focused on a narrow subset of haplorhine taxa; comparatively few studies have been focused on strepsirrhines, despite facing similar ecological and social challenges. Ruffed lemurs (Varecia)-a taxon known for their raucous calls-are rainforest specialists that exhibit strong fission-fusion dynamics and communally rear large litters of young. However, surprisingly few studies have examined Varecia vocalizations in the wild, meaning virtually nothing is known about the call types or how they facilitate their unique social and reproductive strategies. Our goal for this study was to examine how various contextual factors such as weather, behavioral state, and subgroup size and composition affected vocal activity across call types in wild black-and-white ruffed lemurs. We conducted focal follows on 31 individuals (two communities) in Mangevo (Ranomafana National Park) from May-August 2019 to record behavioral and vocal activity. We distinguished 11 call types, although three (hum, roar-shriek, chatter) constituted the majority of vocal activity. Calling rates were consistent throughout the day, but decreased with high rainfall. We found sex- and subgroup-specific differences in call usage, likely related to female dominance and subgroup composition, respectively. We identified behavioral contexts that some call types were consistently given in; this can be used to help infer call function. This study provides some of the first quantitative analyses of ruffed lemur vocal communication and lays the groundwork for more systematic hypothesis testing in future studies.
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Silva C, Requicha JF, Martins JJ, Duarte A, Dias IR, Viegas CA, Saavedra MJ. Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur ( Varecia variegata) in Captivity: Analysis of the Oral Microbiota in a One Health Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2905. [PMID: 34679926 PMCID: PMC8533010 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the susceptibility profile to antibiotics and biofilm formation of Gram-negative bacterial isolates obtained from the oral cavity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). From eight individuals from a zoo located in Portugal, samples of the oral microbiota were collected with sterile swabs and then placed in closed tubes with a transport medium. Culture was carried out for media of Gram-negative bacteria. Twenty-two isolates were obtained and subjected to susceptibility tests to twenty-five antimicrobial agents belonging to seven different classes. All tested isolates demonstrated resistance to, at least, one antibiotic, and it was possible to observe multidrug resistance in 11 of the 22 isolates (50%). It should be noted that an isolate showed phenotypic resistance to imipenem, an antibiotic for exclusive use in a hospital environment. All the isolates showed an increasing ability of biofilm formation over time. The obtained results show that wild mammals in captivity could be reservoirs and potential sources of multi-resistant pathogens. In view of this fact and considering the One Health concept, it will be advisable to establish local monitoring programs worldwide that benefit and protect human, animal and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Silva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
| | - João F. Requicha
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - José J. Martins
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Department of Animal Science, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Aida Duarte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Research, University of Lisbon, 1640-042 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Center of Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2825-001 Monte da Caparica, Portugal
| | - Isabel R. Dias
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. Viegas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Saavedra
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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12
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Raboin DL, Baden AL, Rothman JM. Maternal feeding benefits of allomaternal care in black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza). Am J Primatol 2021; 83:e23327. [PMID: 34487561 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Caring for infants involves lactation, protection, provisioning, and carrying-all energetically taxing states for primate mothers. Holding and carrying clinging infants often constrains mothers from moving and traveling, potentially reducing their food and energy intake; however, when separated from its mother an infant is at risk of predation. This separation therefore requires that mothers be vigilant, further deterring them from feeding. Allomaternal care (AMC) is hypothesized to allow mothers to safely detach from their infants to feed, permitting them to increase energy intake, which is particularly needed for lactation. We examined the nutritional benefits of AMC in black-and-white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) by estimating energy intake by lactating mothers during AMC versus non-AMC. We studied seven mother-infant dyads in three groups of C. guereza during six months in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Immature group members handled infants more often than adults, and females handled infants more often than males. An infant's distance to its mother and its nearest neighbor's age and sex best predicted the occurrence of AMC. Lactating mothers fed more often, fed and rested for longer durations, and consumed more metabolizable energy during AMC compared to when they were caring for their infants. These results demonstrate that AMC in C. guereza provides mothers with feeding opportunities that increase their energy intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique L Raboin
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Human Evolutionary Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Andrea L Baden
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessica M Rothman
- Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Anthropology, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Muller Z, Harris S. A review of the social behaviour of the giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
: a misunderstood but socially complex species. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Muller
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
| | - Stephen Harris
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol Life Sciences Building, 24 Tyndall Avenue Bristol BS8 1TQ UK
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14
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Abstract
Empathy is a complex phenomenon critical for group survival and societal bonds. In addition, there is mounting evidence demonstrating empathic behaviors are dysregulated in a multitude of psychiatric disorders ranging from autism spectrum disorder, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. Therefore, understanding the underlying drive and neurobiology of empathy is paramount for improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals suffering from these psychiatric disorders. While there is a growing list of human studies, there is still much about empathy to understand, likely due to both its complexity and the inherent limitations of imaging modalities. It is therefore imperative to develop, validate, and utilize rodent models of empathic behaviors as translational tools to explore this complex topic in ways human research cannot. This review outlines some of the more prevailing theories of empathy, lists some of the psychiatric disorders with disrupted empathic processes, describes rat and mouse models of empathic behaviors currently used, and discusses ways in which these models have elucidated social, environmental, and neurobiological factors that may modulate empathy. The research tools afforded to rodent models will provide an increasingly clear translational understanding of empathic processes and consequently result in improvements in care for those diagnosed with any one of the many psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stewart S. Cox
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston SC, USA
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15
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Genetic relatedness cannot explain social preferences in black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Page AE, Thomas MG, Smith D, Dyble M, Viguier S, Chaudhary N, Salali GD, Thompson J, Mace R, Migliano AB. Testing adaptive hypotheses of alloparenting in Agta foragers. Nat Hum Behav 2019; 3:1154-1163. [PMID: 31406338 PMCID: PMC6858278 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-019-0679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Human children are frequently cared for by non-parental caregivers (alloparents), yet few studies have conducted systematic alternative hypothesis tests of why alloparents help. Here we explore whether predictions from kin selection, reciprocity, learning-to-mother and costly signalling hypotheses explain non-parental childcare among Agta hunter-gatherers from the Philippines. To test these hypotheses, we used high-resolution proximity data from 1,701 child-alloparent dyads. Our results indicated that reciprocity and relatedness were positively associated with the number of interactions with a child (our proxy for childcare). Need appeared more influential in close kin, suggesting indirect benefits, while reciprocity proved to be a stronger influence in non-kin, pointing to direct benefits. However, despite shared genes, close and distant kin interactions were also contingent on reciprocity. Compared with other apes, humans are unique in rapidly producing energetically demanding offspring. Our results suggest that the support that mothers require is met through support based on kinship and reciprocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Page
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Matthew G Thomas
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Smith
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mark Dyble
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sylvain Viguier
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nikhil Chaudhary
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gul Deniz Salali
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - James Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth Mace
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea B Migliano
- Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Parga JA, Nansen SC. Heteropaternity of twins in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 169:270-278. [PMID: 30951607 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This project investigated paternity among 14 sets of twins born into a colony of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) on St. Catherines Island, GA. Female L. catta commonly mate with >1 male, and twins of different sexes confirm that dizygotic twinning can occur in this species. However, no study has previously evaluated twins using genetic data to measure the proportion of mono versus dizygotic twinning in L. catta, and no study has tested for heteropaternity (sirehood by two different males) in this species. We predicted that L. catta would show a predominance of dizygosity and evidence for heteropaternity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Paternity was determined for 28 infants (14 sets of twins) via paternity exclusion analyses using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers, and data were collected on sexual behavior across four mating seasons during the first cycle of mating in each year, which overlapped with the conceptive periods of these infants. RESULTS All twins were found to be dizygotic, as evidenced by dissimilar multilocus genotypes between the two infants of each twin pair. Heteropaternity was found in 3 of 14 (21% of) twin pairs, whereas the remaining 11 pairs of twins (79%) shared the same sire. In one case of heteropaternity, one sire was a resident male, and one sire was an extra-group male. An extra-group male also sired one of the same-sire twin pairs. All other sires of twins were group residents. DISCUSSION Female multiple mating, which is common to many primates including L. catta, can be viewed as an adaptive reproductive strategy whose function-in addition to fertility assurance or stimulating sperm competition-may be to increase the genetic diversity of a female's offspring, even among infants born in the same birth event. Therefore, during the course of primate evolution, the adaptive benefits of heteropaternity would be expected to have contributed to positive selection for female promiscuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce A Parga
- Department of Anthropology, California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shira C Nansen
- Department of Anthropology, California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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18
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Baden AL. A description of nesting behaviors, including factors impacting nest site selection, in black-and-white ruffed lemurs ( Varecia variegata). Ecol Evol 2019; 9:1010-1028. [PMID: 30805137 PMCID: PMC6374655 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nest site selection is at once fundamental to reproduction and a poorly understood component of many organisms' reproductive investment. This study investigates the nesting behaviors of black-and-white ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata, a litter-bearing primate from the southeastern rainforests of Madagascar. Using a combination of behavioral, geospatial, and demographic data, I test the hypotheses that environmental and social cues influence nest site selection and that these decisions ultimately impact maternal reproductive success. Gestating females built multiple large nests throughout their territories. Of these, females used only a fraction of the originally constructed nests, as well as several parking locations as infants aged. Nest construction was best predicted by environmental cues, including the size of the nesting tree and density of feeding trees within a 75 m radius of the nest, whereas nest use depended largely on the size and average distance to feeding trees within that same area. Microhabitat characteristics were unrelated to whether females built or used nests. Although unrelated to nest site selection, social cues, specifically the average distance to conspecifics' nest and park sites, were related to maternal reproductive success; mothers whose litters were parked in closer proximity to others' nests experienced higher infant survival than those whose nests were more isolated. This is likely because nesting proximity facilitated communal crèche use by neighboring females. Together, these results suggest a complex pattern of nesting behaviors that involves females strategically building nests in areas with high potential resource abundance, using nests in areas according to their realized productivity, and communally rearing infants within a network of nests distributed throughout the larger communal territory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Baden
- Department of AnthropologyHunter College of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNew York
- Departments of Anthropology and BiologyThe Graduate Center of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNew York
- The New York Consortium in Evolutionary PrimatologyNew YorkNew York
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19
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Tidière M, Thevenot X, Deligiannopoulou A, Douay G, Whipple M, Siberchicot A, Gaillard JM, Lemaître JF. Maternal reproductive senescence shapes the fitness consequences of the parental age difference in ruffed lemurs. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20181479. [PMID: 30209228 PMCID: PMC6158536 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, pronounced age differences between parents have deleterious fitness consequences. In particular, the number of children is lower when mothers are much older than fathers. However, previous analyses failed to disentangle the influence of differential parental age per se from a direct age effect of each parent. In this study, we analyse the fitness consequences of both parental age and parental age differences on litter size and offspring survival in two closely related species of lemurs living in captivity. As captive lemurs do not choose their reproductive partner, we were able to measure litter size and offspring survival across breeding pairs showing a wide range of parental age differences. However, we demonstrated that the effect of the parental age difference on litter size was fully accounted for by female reproductive senescence because females mating with much younger males were old females. On the other hand, both parental age difference and female reproductive senescence influenced offspring survival. Our results emphasize the importance of teasing apart the effect of parental reproductive senescence when investigating the health and fitness consequences of parental age differences and also provide new insights for conservation programmes of endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Tidière
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Xavier Thevenot
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Adamantia Deligiannopoulou
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Guillaume Douay
- Wildlife Reserve Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, Singapore
| | | | - Aurélie Siberchicot
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-François Lemaître
- Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon; Université Lyon 1; CNRS, UMR5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
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20
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Vasey N, Mogilewsky M, Schatz GE. Infant nest and stash sites of variegated lemurs (Varecia rubra): The extended phenotype. Am J Primatol 2018; 80:e22911. [PMID: 30187943 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Very few primate species give birth to litters and build nests in which to care for them. Those that do are small-bodied, nocturnal, and solitary. Variegated lemurs are exceptional in that they bear litters in arboreal nests, yet are relatively large-bodied, day-active, and gregarious. Furthermore, they raise their young cooperatively and practice absentee parenting; non-clinging young are transported orally and periodically stashed in arboreal spots that are supportive, sheltered, and usually concealed. Following birth, infant nest and stash trees were mapped, measured, and taxonomically identified in a population of red variegated lemurs in Masoala National Park. About 40 trees were used per litter for nesting and stashing young in adjacent, non-overlapping core areas within the community. These were the largest trees in the forest, even larger than those used for feeding. Furthermore, most occur in valleys and are laced with lianas, creating sites that buffer young from predation, accidental falls, and to some degree, thermal stress. In combination, the number of nest and stash trees used per litter, their characteristics, and their geo-spatial arrangement indicate that such sites are both select and limited in the landscape, exposing the dependence of red variegated lemurs on intact forest canopies for raising non-clinging young within the context of an absentee parenting system. Nest and stash sites are in effect Varecia's extended phenotype. Logging of large trees in Madagascar's eastern rain forests is considered a major factor resulting in local extinctions of variegated lemurs because they rely heavily upon large, mature trees for fruit. However, this study suggests that removal of large trees may more directly precipitate local extinctions by impeding their ability to reproduce. Long-term survival of red variegated lemurs will depend upon efforts to end harmful timber extraction in its remaining stronghold, the Masoala Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Vasey
- Department of Anthropology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
- School of the Environment, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Monica Mogilewsky
- School of the Environment, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
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21
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Tecot SR, Baden AL. Profiling caregivers: Hormonal variation underlying allomaternal care in wild red-bellied lemurs, Eulemur rubriventer. Physiol Behav 2018; 193:135-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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22
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Ectoparasitism in Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs ( Varecia variegata) in Southeastern Madagascar. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:174-178. [PMID: 30096033 DOI: 10.7589/2017-12-311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We documented ectoparasites found on wild black-and-white ruffed lemurs ( Varecia variegata) in the southeastern rain forests of Madagascar and describe trends in parasitism. In this study, 235 mesostigmatid mites (1 male, 87 females, 147 nymphs) identified as Liponyssella sp., in the acarine family Macronyssidae, were collected during 87% (34/39) of lemur examinations (mean number/host=7.9). The only other ectoparasite collected was the louse fly ( Allobosca crassipes; 3 males, 8 females) in the dipteran family Hippoboscidae, which was collected during 26% (10/39) of lemur examinations (mean number/host=1.1). The lemur most heavily parasitized by mites was an adult female with 29 adult females and 17 nymphs, all collected from the face.
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23
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Tidière M, Lemaître JF, Douay G, Whipple M, Gaillard JM. High reproductive effort is associated with decreasing mortality late in life in captive ruffed lemurs. Am J Primatol 2017; 79. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Tidière
- Université de Lyon; Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive; Villeurbanne France
| | | | | | | | - Jean-Michel Gaillard
- Université de Lyon; Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive; Villeurbanne France
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24
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Bădescu I, Watts DP, Katzenberg MA, Sellen DW. Alloparenting is associated with reduced maternal lactation effort and faster weaning in wild chimpanzees. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160577. [PMID: 28018647 PMCID: PMC5180145 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Alloparenting, when individuals other than the mother assist with infant care, can vary between and within populations and has potential fitness costs and benefits for individuals involved. We investigated the effects of alloparenting on the speed with which infants were weaned, a potential component of maternal fitness because of how it can affect inter-birth intervals, in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Ngogo, Uganda. We also provide, to our knowledge, the first description of alloparenting in this population and present a novel measure of the contribution of milk to infant diets through faecal stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N). Using 42 mother-infant pairs, we tested associations of two alloparenting dimensions, natal attraction (interest in infants) and infant handling (holding, carrying), to the proportion of time mothers spent feeding and to maternal lactation effort (mean nursing rates and mother-infant δ15N differences). Neither natal attraction nor infant handling was significantly associated with feeding time. Infant handling was inversely associated with both measures of lactation effort, although natal attraction showed no association. Alloparenting may benefit mothers by enabling females to invest in their next offspring sooner through accelerated weaning. Our findings emphasize the significance of alloparenting as a flexible component of female reproductive strategies in some species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Bădescu
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5S 2S2
| | - David P. Watts
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - M. Anne Katzenberg
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaT2N 1N4
| | - Daniel W. Sellen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaM5S 2S2
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25
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Fission-fusion dynamics in black-and-white ruffed lemurs may facilitate both feeding strategies and communal care of infants in a spatially and temporally variable environment. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2201-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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26
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Bradley BJ, Snowdon CT, McGrew WC, Lawler RR, Guevara EE, McIntosh A, O'Connor T. Non-human primates avoid the detrimental effects of prenatal androgen exposure in mixed-sex litters: combined demographic, behavioral, and genetic analyses. Am J Primatol 2016; 78:1304-1315. [PMID: 27434275 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Producing single versus multiple births has important life history trade-offs, including the potential benefits and risks of sharing a common in utero environment. Sex hormones can diffuse through amniotic fluid and fetal membranes, and females with male littermates risk exposure to high levels of fetal testosterone, which are shown to have masculinizing effects and negative fitness consequences in many mammals. Whereas most primates give birth to single offspring, several New World monkey and strepsirrhine species regularly give birth to small litters. We examined whether neonatal testosterone exposure might be detrimental to females in mixed-sex litters by compiling data from long-term breeding records for seven primate species (Saguinus oedipus; Varecia variegata, Varecia rubra, Microcebus murinis, Mirza coquereli, Cheirogaleus medius, Galago moholi). Litter sex ratios did not differ from the expected 1:2:1 (MM:MF:FF for twins) and 1:2:2:1 (MMM:MMF:MFF:FFF for triplets). Measures of reproductive success, including female survivorship, offspring-survivorship, and inter-birth interval, did not differ between females born in mixed-sex versus all-female litters, indicating that litter-producing non-human primates, unlike humans and rodents, show no signs of detrimental effects from androgen exposure in mixed sex litters. Although we found no evidence for CYP19A1 gene duplications-a hypothesized mechanism for coping with androgen exposure-aromatase protein evolution shows patterns of convergence among litter-producing taxa. That some primates have effectively found a way to circumvent a major cost of multiple births has implications for understanding variation in litter size and life history strategies across mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J Bradley
- Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia. .,Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Charles T Snowdon
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - William C McGrew
- Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard R Lawler
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
| | - Elaine E Guevara
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Annick McIntosh
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Timothy O'Connor
- Institute for Genome Sciences and Program in Personalized and Genomic Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, Maryland
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Eppley TM, Donati G, Ganzhorn JU. Unusual sleeping site selection by southern bamboo lemurs. Primates 2016; 57:167-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-016-0516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ross AC, Lehman SM. Infant transport and mother-infant contact from 1 to 26 weeks postnatal in Coquerel's sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) in northwestern Madagascar. Am J Primatol 2016; 78:646-58. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail C. Ross
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Shawn M. Lehman
- Department of Anthropology; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
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Baden AL, Webster TH, Kamilar JM. Resource seasonality and reproduction predict fission–fusion dynamics in black‐and‐white ruffed lemurs (
Varecia variegata
). Am J Primatol 2015; 78:256-79. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Baden
- Department of AnthropologyHunter CollegeNew YorkNew York
- Graduate CenterCity University of New YorkNew YorkNew York
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology (NYCEP)New YorkNew York
| | | | - Jason M. Kamilar
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MassachusettsAmherstMassachusetts
- Graduate Program in Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MassachusettsAmherstMassachusetts
- School of Human Evolution and Social ChangeArizona State UniversityTempeArizona
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Reddy RB, MacLean EL, Sandel AA, Hare B. Social inhibitory control in five lemur species. Primates 2015; 56:241-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s10329-015-0467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Jin T, Wang D, Pan W, Yao M. Nonmaternal Infant Handling in Wild White-Headed Langurs (Trachypithecus leucocephalus). INT J PRIMATOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-015-9823-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lukas D, Huchard E. Sexual conflict. The evolution of infanticide by males in mammalian societies. Science 2014; 346:841-4. [PMID: 25395534 DOI: 10.1126/science.1257226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Male mammals often kill conspecific offspring. The benefits of such infanticide to males, and its costs to females, probably vary across mammalian social and mating systems. We used comparative analyses to show that infanticide primarily evolves in social mammals in which reproduction is monopolized by a minority of males. It has not promoted social counterstrategies such as female gregariousness, pair living, or changes in group size and sex ratio, but is successfully prevented by female sexual promiscuity, a paternity dilution strategy. These findings indicate that infanticide is a consequence, rather than a cause, of contrasts in mammalian social systems affecting the intensity of sexual conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Lukas
- Large Animal Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Elise Huchard
- Large Animal Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK. Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175, CNRS - Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
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33
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Baden AL, Holmes SM, Johnson SE, Engberg SE, Louis EE, Bradley BJ. Species-level view of population structure and gene flow for a critically endangered primate (Varecia variegata). Ecol Evol 2014; 4:2675-92. [PMID: 25077019 PMCID: PMC4113292 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lemurs are among the world's most threatened mammals. The critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), in particular, has recently experienced rapid population declines due to habitat loss, ecological sensitivities to habitat degradation, and extensive human hunting pressure. Despite this, a recent study indicates that ruffed lemurs retain among the highest levels of genetic diversity for primates. Identifying how this diversity is apportioned and whether gene flow is maintained among remnant populations will help to diagnose and target conservation priorities. We sampled 209 individuals from 19 sites throughout the remaining V. variegata range. We used 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and ∼550 bp of mtDNA sequence data to evaluate genetic structure and population dynamics, including dispersal patterns and recent population declines. Bayesian cluster analyses identified two distinct genetic clusters, which optimally partitioned data into populations occurring on either side of the Mangoro River. Localities north of the Mangoro were characterized by greater genetic diversity, greater gene flow (lower genetic differentiation) and higher mtDNA haplotype and nucleotide diversity than those in the south. Despite this, genetic differentiation across all sites was high, as indicated by high average F ST (0.247) and ΦST (0.544), and followed a pattern of isolation-by-distance. We use these results to suggest future conservation strategies that include an effort to maintain genetic diversity in the north and restore connectivity in the south. We also note the discordance between patterns of genetic differentiation and current subspecies taxonomy, and encourage a re-evaluation of conservation management units moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Baden
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University New Haven, Connecticut, 06511 ; Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of City University of New York New York, 10065
| | - Sheila M Holmes
- Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steig E Johnson
- Department of Anthropology, University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shannon E Engberg
- Grewcock's Center for Conservation and Research - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska, 68107
| | - Edward E Louis
- Grewcock's Center for Conservation and Research - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Omaha, Nebraska, 68107
| | - Brenda J Bradley
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University New Haven, Connecticut, 06511
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Ben-Ami Bartal I, Rodgers DA, Bernardez Sarria MS, Decety J, Mason P. Pro-social behavior in rats is modulated by social experience. eLife 2014; 3:e01385. [PMID: 24424411 PMCID: PMC3884117 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, helping is preferentially provided to members of one’s own group. Yet, it remains unclear how social experience shapes pro-social motivation. We found that rats helped trapped strangers by releasing them from a restrainer, just as they did cagemates. However, rats did not help strangers of a different strain, unless previously housed with the trapped rat. Moreover, pair-housing with one rat of a different strain prompted rats to help strangers of that strain, evidence that rats expand pro-social motivation from one individual to phenotypically similar others. To test if genetic relatedness alone can motivate helping, rats were fostered from birth with another strain and were not exposed to their own strain. As adults, fostered rats helped strangers of the fostering strain but not rats of their own strain. Thus, strain familiarity, even to one’s own strain, is required for the expression of pro-social behavior. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01385.001 Humans help family members and friends under circumstances where they may not help strangers. However, they also help complete strangers through both direct actions, such as helping someone who has stumbled, and indirect actions, such as giving to charity. Ben-Ami Bartal et al. have now explored the biological basis of such socially selective helping by testing whether rats help strangers, and if so, under what circumstances. In the experiments a free rat was exposed to another rat trapped inside a plastic tube with an outward-facing door for 12 one-hour sessions. When tested with a cagemate trapped inside the tube, most free rats learned within a few days to release the trapped rat by opening the door. Ben-Ami Bartal et al. then exposed the free rats to strangers they had never met or seen before. Remarkably the rats consistently released the trapped stranger, acting toward strangers just as they had acted toward familiar cagemates. This result suggested that individual familiarity is not required for helping to occur. To test the limits of rat benevolence, Ben-Ami Bartal et al. tested free rats (always white albino rats) with trapped rats from a different outbred strain (black-hooded rats). The rats helped cagemates of a different strain but not strangers of a different strain. These results could be explained by a requirement for strain familiarity or individual familiarity. To distinguish between these possibilities, albino rats were housed for 2 weeks with a rat of a different strain, and then re-housed with another albino rat before being tested with a trapped rat belonging to a different strain. Consistent with a requirement for strain but not individual familiarity, the free rats now helped stranger rats from the different, but now familiar, strain. To explore if there is any role for genetics or relatedness in socially selective helping, Ben-Ami Bartal et al. tested whether rats will help strangers of their own strain based on genetic relatedness alone. To do this albino pups were transferred to litters of a different strain on the day they were born, and never saw or interacted with another albino rat until testing. Remarkably, the albino rats helped strangers from the different strain that they were raised with, but they did not help strangers of their own strain because this strain was unfamiliar to them. The fact that the motivation to help other rats has its origins in social interactions rather than genetics provides the flexibility that is needed to navigate their way through social environments that often change unexpectedly. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01385.002
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Ben-Ami Bartal I, Rodgers DA, Bernardez Sarria MS, Decety J, Mason P. Pro-social behavior in rats is modulated by social experience. eLife 2014; 3:e01385. [PMID: 24424411 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01385.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, helping is preferentially provided to members of one's own group. Yet, it remains unclear how social experience shapes pro-social motivation. We found that rats helped trapped strangers by releasing them from a restrainer, just as they did cagemates. However, rats did not help strangers of a different strain, unless previously housed with the trapped rat. Moreover, pair-housing with one rat of a different strain prompted rats to help strangers of that strain, evidence that rats expand pro-social motivation from one individual to phenotypically similar others. To test if genetic relatedness alone can motivate helping, rats were fostered from birth with another strain and were not exposed to their own strain. As adults, fostered rats helped strangers of the fostering strain but not rats of their own strain. Thus, strain familiarity, even to one's own strain, is required for the expression of pro-social behavior. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01385.001.
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