About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Ruffed lemurs are among the few remaining large-bodied frugivores in Madagascar. They depend almost exclusively on large fruiting trees, particularly ramy (Canarium, Bursuracea) whose fruits are known for their dense, stony pits. Ramy seeds are equally dependent on large-bodied lemurs, both for effective dispersal and germination. It is likely that these trees once depended on the large, now extinct subfossil lemurs to consume and then disperse their seeds; however, with Madagascar's relatively recent megafaunal extinction (as recent as 300 years ago), ruffed lemurs are now among the only living lemurs able to physically ingest and pass ramy seeds.

Based on a recent taxonomic revision, it appears that Madagascar's ramy trees are taxonomically quite diverse. In fact, anywhere from 6-8 species likely exist in sympatry at any given site. Thus, rather than relying on only one or two ramy species, it is likely that ruffed lemurs rely on entire ramy cohorts, and they on ruffed lemurs.

With this in mind, we aim to investigate:
1) How ramy species diversity varies across sites, 2) The extent to which these species niche partition, 3) How patterns of niche partitioning influence lemur range use & feeding ecology, and 4) What this means for both ruffed lemur & ramy conservation.

What is the significance of this project?

Regardless of the nature of interactions between frugivorous lemurs and ramy trees, clearly whatever compromises one organism will threaten both. Creating an environment for the preservation of their interactions is integral to the success of conservation endeavors. While everyone agrees on the importance of forest corridors linking protected areas, biologists are also concerned about their location, their structure, and floristic composition (e.g., Hekkala et al. 2007). The results of this project have important potential for guiding forest management plans and ultimately reforestation efforts for effectively maintaining lemur-friendly habitats throughout the eastern rainforests of Madagascar.

What are the goals of the project?

Funds sought here will be used to cover the cost of both international and domestic travel, as well as lodging expenses and research fees while in Madagascar. The New York Botanical Garden and Yale University have generously provided funds to facilitate all other research while in-country. All we need are the funds to get there!