<p>Primates are among the most threatened mammals globally owing to rapid habitat loss and intense hunting pressure. Among these, lemurs are the taxon with the highest number of species at risk of extinction. Although many lemur species have been surveyed extensively across Madagascar, some taxa and protected areas remain understudied. The Anjozorobe-Angavo Protected Area, a rainforest landscape in the highlands of central-eastern Madagascar, has received relatively little ecological attention and continues to experience deforestation. This study was designed to estimate the population density and habitat selection of diurnal and nocturnal lemur species within La Mananara, a privately owned forest within Anjozorobe-Angavo. We conducted line-transect surveys over a 3-month period, between October and December 2024, and applied distance sampling to estimate species abundance. We also collected data on species detection locations and established vegetation plots to characterize habitat structure and evaluate species-specific habitat associations through resource selection functions. We recorded four diurnal and six nocturnal lemur species. Nocturnal species exhibited higher estimated densities and were more frequently encountered in areas with human activity, whereas diurnal species were less abundant and generally showed stronger associations with areas characterized by greater canopy cover and lower anthropogenic disturbance. Our findings underscore the conservation importance of primary forest protection, while also demonstrating the role of edge habitat and human-modified habitats for certain nocturnal taxa. These density estimates represent a quantitative assessment for this area, helping to inform the management of La Mananara, and contributing to broader conservation assessments of lemur populations within this under-characterized protected landscape.</p>

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Habitat Selection and Population Density of Diurnal and Nocturnal Lemurs in the Anjozorobe-Angavo Protected Area, Madagascar

  • Giulia Sassoli,
  • Aurelia Sebastiani,
  • Davide Mirante,
  • Hanitriniaina Raharinirina,
  • Rojotiana N. Rakotoarisoa,
  • N. M. Koloina Rakotoarivelo,
  • Fanomezantsoa L. Ravololoniaina,
  • H. Domohina S. Randrianarisoa,
  • Gabriele Ferraro,
  • S. Jacques Rakotondranary,
  • Timothy M. Eppley,
  • Luca Santini

摘要

Primates are among the most threatened mammals globally owing to rapid habitat loss and intense hunting pressure. Among these, lemurs are the taxon with the highest number of species at risk of extinction. Although many lemur species have been surveyed extensively across Madagascar, some taxa and protected areas remain understudied. The Anjozorobe-Angavo Protected Area, a rainforest landscape in the highlands of central-eastern Madagascar, has received relatively little ecological attention and continues to experience deforestation. This study was designed to estimate the population density and habitat selection of diurnal and nocturnal lemur species within La Mananara, a privately owned forest within Anjozorobe-Angavo. We conducted line-transect surveys over a 3-month period, between October and December 2024, and applied distance sampling to estimate species abundance. We also collected data on species detection locations and established vegetation plots to characterize habitat structure and evaluate species-specific habitat associations through resource selection functions. We recorded four diurnal and six nocturnal lemur species. Nocturnal species exhibited higher estimated densities and were more frequently encountered in areas with human activity, whereas diurnal species were less abundant and generally showed stronger associations with areas characterized by greater canopy cover and lower anthropogenic disturbance. Our findings underscore the conservation importance of primary forest protection, while also demonstrating the role of edge habitat and human-modified habitats for certain nocturnal taxa. These density estimates represent a quantitative assessment for this area, helping to inform the management of La Mananara, and contributing to broader conservation assessments of lemur populations within this under-characterized protected landscape.