Nutrient composition of plants consumed by black and white ruffed lemurs, Varecia variegata, in the Betampona Natural Reserve, Madagascar.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the concentrations of crude protein, fat, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin, nonstructural carbohydrates, and gross energy in plant foods consumed by wild black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). Calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and selenium concentrations were also determined. A total of 122 samples from 33 plant families and more than 60 species were collected and analyzed for their nutritional content. The specific nutrient needs of black and white ruffed lemurs are unknown, but quantifying the nutritional composition of the foods they consume in the wild will help nutritionists and veterinarians formulate more appropriate diets for captive ruffed lemurs. This information will also supply information on how man-induced habitat changes affect the nutritional composition of foods consumed by free-ranging lemurs.

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.