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<p>Habituation reduces the flight and avoidance responses of wildlife to allow individual identification and systematic data collection. Studies of primate habituation are increasing but remain scarce in lemurs. We describe the habituation of three groups (13 individuals) of <i>Propithecus diadema</i> in Vohibe Forest, Madagascar, define habituation milestones, and examine how multiple factors interact to influence habituation in this human-modified landscape. The groups differed in availability of radio-collared individuals for tracking and exposure to human activity. We conducted group follows using <i>ad libitum</i> sampling and changed to 5-minute instantaneous and all-occurrence focal sampling as tolerance of observers increased. Group VP1 (two collars) ranged closer to the field station, primarily in an ecotourism zone, VP2 (one collar) ranged farther from the station,&#xa0;also primarily in an ecotourism zone, and VP3 (no collars) ranged farther away and predominantly in a sustainable-use zone. We began focal sampling (methodological milestone) after 4 contact days for VP1, 10 days for VP2, and 20 days for VP3. Daily observation time exceeded the mean of 6.5 hours (tracking tolerance milestone) after 28.35 cumulative contact hours over 9 days for VP1, 45.81 cumulative contact hours over 12 days for VP2, and 87.71 cumulative contact hours over 20 days for VP3. We located groups with radio-collared individuals and observed them more consistently than the group without collared individuals, facilitating a faster habituation process. Traveling and alarm calling decreased significantly over time in all groups. However, group differences suggest that prior exposure to humans and use of tracking devices affect habituation rates. This study provides a baseline for assessing lemur habituation and highlights the importance of context‑specific factors in studies of wild‑ranging primates.</p>

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An analysis of the habituation process of Propithecus diadema in Vohibe Forest, Madagascar

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月14日

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  • Laura U. Mahatoly,
  • Aristide Andrianarimisa,
  • Brigitte M. Raharivololona,
  • Armand Randrianasolo,
  • Fortunat Rakotoarivony,
  • Giovanna Bonadonna,
  • Emily E. Wroblewski,
  • Krista M. Milich

摘要

Habituation reduces the flight and avoidance responses of wildlife to allow individual identification and systematic data collection. Studies of primate habituation are increasing but remain scarce in lemurs. We describe the habituation of three groups (13 individuals) of Propithecus diadema in Vohibe Forest, Madagascar, define habituation milestones, and examine how multiple factors interact to influence habituation in this human-modified landscape. The groups differed in availability of radio-collared individuals for tracking and exposure to human activity. We conducted group follows using ad libitum sampling and changed to 5-minute instantaneous and all-occurrence focal sampling as tolerance of observers increased. Group VP1 (two collars) ranged closer to the field station, primarily in an ecotourism zone, VP2 (one collar) ranged farther from the station, also primarily in an ecotourism zone, and VP3 (no collars) ranged farther away and predominantly in a sustainable-use zone. We began focal sampling (methodological milestone) after 4 contact days for VP1, 10 days for VP2, and 20 days for VP3. Daily observation time exceeded the mean of 6.5 hours (tracking tolerance milestone) after 28.35 cumulative contact hours over 9 days for VP1, 45.81 cumulative contact hours over 12 days for VP2, and 87.71 cumulative contact hours over 20 days for VP3. We located groups with radio-collared individuals and observed them more consistently than the group without collared individuals, facilitating a faster habituation process. Traveling and alarm calling decreased significantly over time in all groups. However, group differences suggest that prior exposure to humans and use of tracking devices affect habituation rates. This study provides a baseline for assessing lemur habituation and highlights the importance of context‑specific factors in studies of wild‑ranging primates.