Genetic comparison between different populations of Eulemur macaco flavifrons in northwest Madagascar using RAPD markers.

Eulemur macaco flavifrons, the Sclater's black lemur, is a critically endangered subspecies of northwest Madagascar, which is not yet protected by any reserve. In order to study the feasibility of creating such a reserve, an area of outstanding biological importance was selected in the region of Maromandia-Sahamalaza, which is probably the only remaining place which would permit the long-term survival of the Sclater's black lemur. To determine if genetic management is needed for the Sahamalaza black lemur population, its genetic variability was estimated with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and compared with other populations. These comparisons demonstrate that the Sahamalaza black lemurs have a genetic variability equivalent to those in other areas. Thus, we conclude that no genetic management is required at the present time.

Comparison of genetic variability in wild insular and mainland populations of Eulemur macaco: implications for conservation strategy.

DNA fingerprinting analysis was used to investigate genetic variability within and between three wild populations of Eulemur macaco living on two islands and on the mainland. The analyses revealed that the genetic variability of the population from the smaller island was, as expected, lower than that from the larger island. Surprisingly, on the larger island the genetic variability was greater than on the mainland. These results, in agreement with those previously obtained from blood markers, are discussed in relation to the history of these populations. In addition, the study suggests that settlement of the smallest island was not only by animals originating from the mainland, as previously proposed on the basis of blood marker data, but also by lemurs from the nearby, larger, island. Evidence is presented that reliable information about population structure can be derived only from studies using different genetic markers. This information is important to enable appropriate conservation programmes to be designed.

Chromosomal evolution in Malagasy lemurs: XII. Chromosomal banding study of Avahi laniger occidentalis (Syn: Lichanotus laniger occidentalis) and cytogenetic data in favour of its classification in a species apart-Avahi occidentalis.

A cytogenetical study of the western form of Avahi (Avahi laniger occidentalis) shows that its karyotype differs from that of A. laniger laniger by at least 3 chromosomal rearrangements. Meiotic chromosomal pairing of hypothetical hybrids has been constructed. Its configuration, a tetravalent with an inversion loop, is likely to strongly reduce fertility, especially in the male. This leads us to propose that the two forms correspond to two distinct species, separated by a gametic barrier: Avahi laniger and a species apart, Avahi occidentalis.