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A ten-year summary of reproductive parameters for ring-tailed lemurs at berenty, madagascar

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Abstract

From 1989 to 1998, 204 live births were recorded for ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at Berenty, Madagascar. Excluding unknown birth dates, the peak month of birth was September, with 82.0% (146/178) occurring during this period. The offspring sex ratio (1∶1.19) was not significantly different from 1∶1, and there was no association with the mother's age. The first births occurred at the ages of 2 to 4 yr. The annual birth rate was very low at the age of 2 yr (11.1%), but increased thereafter: to 50.0% at the age of 3 yr, and to 75–85% at the age of 4 or more years. Multiple births were very rare, since only three sets of twins and one set of triplets were recorded. As for the interbirth interval, a one-year interval was the most common (92.2%). Infant mortality within the first year was 37.7% (77/204). Neonatal mortality within the first month accounted for 31.2% of all infant dealths.

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Author notes

  1. Naoki Koyama, Naomi Miyamoto & Shinichiro Ichino

    Present address: The Center for African Area Studies, Kyoto University, Sakyoku, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan

  2. Masayuki Nakamichi

    Present address: Laboratory of Ethological Studies, Faculty of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Osaka, Japan

  3. Ryo Oda

    Present address: Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, 466-8555, Nagoya, Japan

  4. Yukio Takahata

    Present address: Kwansei-Gakuin University, 669-1324, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan

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    1. Naoki Koyama
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    2. Masayuki Nakamichi
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    4. Naomi Miyamoto
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    5. Shinichiro Ichino
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    6. Yukio Takahata
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    Koyama, N., Nakamichi, M., Oda, R. et al. A ten-year summary of reproductive parameters for ring-tailed lemurs at berenty, madagascar. Primates 42, 1–14 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02640684

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