GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES OF CAPTIVE AND FREE-LIVING LEMURS AND DOMESTIC CARNIVORES IN EASTERN MADAGASCAR.

Fecal samples from captive and free-living lemurs at Ivoloina Zoological Park (IZP) and domestic carnivores from six villages surrounding IZP were evaluated between July and August 2012. Free-living lemurs from Betampona Natural Reserve (BNR), a relatively pristine rainforest fragment 40 km away, were also evaluated in November 2013. All 33 dogs sampled (100%) and 16 of 22 cats sampled (72.7%) were parasitized, predominantly with nematodes (strongyles, ascarids, and spirurids) as well as cestodes and protozoans. Similar types of parasites were identified in the lemur populations. Identification of spirurid nematodes and protozoans in the lemur fecal samples were of concern due to previously documented morbidity and mortality in lemurs from these parasitic agents. Twelve of 13 free-living (93%) and 31 of 49 captive (63%) lemurs sampled at IZP had a higher parasite prevalence than lemurs at BNR, with 13 of 24 (54%) being parasitized. The lemurs in BNR are likely at risk of increased exposure to these parasites and, therefore, increased morbidity and mortality, as humans and their domestic animals are encroaching on this natural area.

Diet and feeding behaviour of Indri indri in a low-altitude rain forest.

The diet and feeding behaviour of Indri indri were investigated in the Betampona Reserve, eastern Madagascar, over 12 months from February 2000 to February 2001. The highly folivorous diet of this species was confirmed--feeding on foliage (leaves and petioles) accounting for 82% of feeding records. Immature leaves were the preferred dietary item, but at times of relative scarcity mature leaves, fruit, seeds, flowers and bark were substituted. The indri were observed to feed on parts from 22 plant families, 37 genera and at least 42 species. The most important plant families in the diet of Indri were Lauraceae, Clusiaceae and Myristicaceae. Most feeding at Betampona was observed at 5-20 m above the forest floor amongst small (2.1-5.0 cm), oblique/horizontal supports (0-45 degrees). The indri spent 41.4% of their active period feeding most commonly in above-branch postures. Studies such as this are important for the development of conservation management plans for this endangered species.