A population survey of sympatric cheirogaleids in southwestern Madagascar

• DOI: 10.1111/aje.12960
• Publication Date: 2022-01-13T17:15:02Z
• Authors: Luke D. Martin; Amanda K. Rowe; Eva S. Nomenjanahary; Zachary M. Ridgway; Patricia C. Wright; Anja M. Deppe
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Zombitse‐Vohibasia National Park harbours a species‐rich but understudied lemur community in southwestern Madagascar. Local population estimates are dated or absent for its four sympatric species of Cheirogaleidae: the grey mouse ( Microcebus murinus ), Coquerel's giant Mirza coquereli fat‐tailed dwarf Cheirogaleus medius ) and pale fork‐marked Phaner pallescens ). To provide local density encounter rate these cheirogaleids, we conducted line transect surveys Zombitse sector over three‐week period December 2018–January 2019. We calculated densities 37.4 Mir. individuals/km 2 (95% CI = 20.4–68.6) 230.8 C. 172.6–308.6). Our results highlight conservation importance as stronghold restricted threatened species. The sample sizes Mic. P. were insufficient generating estimates. Considering that spp. typically amongst most abundant mammals at given site, further studies needed to investigate verify this apparent scarcity.