August 1, 2004
"My Masters Degree"
by Mamy Julia Christobelle RALAVANIRINA

Ankarafantsika has been chosen as a research site for my DEA; it is located in the west of Madagascar, 25 km north-east of Ambato-Boeni at 110 km south-west of Majunga. The theme of my research is: “L’alimentation de deux especes de Microcoebus au Jardin Botanique A de la station forestiere d’Ampijoroa” – or, the feeding patterns of two species of Microcoebus (mouse lemur) in Botanical Garden A of the forest station of Ampijoroa.

Microcoebus murinus lives alongside Microcoebus ravelobensis in JBA (Jardin Botanique A). The two species are nocturnal, tree-dwelling primates, and the smallest of the Malagasy lemurs. Microcoebus murinus has soft, short and dense gray fur on its back, while Microcoebus ravelobensis has short, dense gray fur on its back but white-yellow on its belly.

To collect our data, we performed three-day long trapping sessions every month, using Shermann traps and bananas as bait. All microcoebus captured were measured and two females of each species were radio-collared for nocturnal observation. Each female was then periodically tracked by radiotelemetry. The purpose of these trackings was to learn the feeding patterns, activities and behaviors of the females. During this time, we captured 92 individuals.

The two females studied from each of these two species were found to be active from the time they left their dens in the evening to their return in the morning. Their activities during the dry season consist mostly of locomotion, resting and feeding. They began by searching for food, intermittently moving long distances and resting for short durations. Once they found a satisfying meal, they rest. These activities vary with the climate, the availability of food and the reproductive period. Microcoebus eat insects, fruit and latex plants. They reach for food with their two front hands and hold it in front of their mouths.