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Social thermoregulation in redfronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus)
1Verhaltensforschung und Okologie, Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Göttingen, Germany. julia.ostner@dpz.gwdg.de
Folia Primatologica; International Journal of Primatology
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Malagasy lemurs reduce activity and huddle together during cold dry seasons. Despite male-biased groups, females do not gain extra warmth from surplus males through social thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Malagasy lemurs experience significant seasonal temperature drops, potentially causing cold stress.
- Lemur social groups often have a high number of males, leading to even or male-biased sex ratios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if redfronted lemurs exhibit inactivity and social thermoregulation in response to cold.
- To test the hypothesis that females benefit from surplus males via increased social thermoregulation.
Main Methods:
- Observing redfronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus) in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar.
- Recording behavioral responses, including inactivity and huddling, during cold periods.
Main Results:
- Lemurs showed increased inactivity and formed huddling groups when ambient temperatures were low.
- Surplus males did not disproportionately join huddling groups with females.
Conclusions:
- Redfronted lemurs use inactivity and huddling for thermoregulation during cold seasons.
- Females do not appear to benefit from the high number of males in their groups through enhanced social thermoregulation.