Transcript P. Diadema
Indriidae Order Primates Suborder Prosimii/Strepsirrhini Infraorder: Lemuriformes First Indrids appear in Tertiary/Pliocene. Below data interpreted from mitochondrial cyt-b gene sequencing in 2004. 3 Genera, 6 species Genus Indri (indris) Indri indri Genus Avahi (woolly lemurs)* Avahi laniger Avahi occidentalis Genus Propithecus (sifakas) – 8 subspecies Propithecus diadema P. d. diadema P. d. candidus P. d. edwardsi P. d. perrieri Propithecus verreauxi P. v. verreauxi P. v. coquereli P. v. coronatus P. v. deckeni Propithecus tattersalli *Genus Avahi was split into two species based on chromosomal studies in 1988 All species endemic to Madagascar Indris Montane rainforests from Bemarivo (Mahajanga) and Anjanaharibe-Sud to Analamazaotra, Mangoro River north to Sambava Woolly LemursA. laniger - Ankarana to Ft. Dauphin A. occidentalis - dry deciduous forest in/around Ankarafantsika Sifakas P. v. verreauxi - S/SW, west to Tsiribihina River P. v. coquereli - along northwest coast P. v. coronatus - just below coquereli P. v. deckeni - west, and possibly to the north P. d. perrieri* - northeastern tip P. d. candidus* - just below perrieri P. d. diadema* - small area between edwardsi and candidus P. d. edwardsi* - south P. Tattersalli - NE in forest fragments in/around Antanimarazoko (only about 88000 ha, half of which is forest) Morphology & Physiology • Dental formula: 2/1, 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 = 30 • Toothcomb consists of lower incisors and canines (4 teeth)—most Strepsirhines use 6 teeth) - toothcomb used in grooming (social behavior, reciprocity) • Indrids have a shortened snout due to a reduced dental formula • Enlarged upper incisors • Elongated upper canine, • First lower premolar is canine-like P. diadema P. Diadema - upper jaw Morphology & Physiology • Globular brain case • Bullae overgrow and incorporate the tympanic ring • The two dentaries are joined by a long and oblique symphysis, and each is characterized by an enlarged angular process P. diadema P. diadema Morphology & Physiology • Hindlimbs 1/3 longer than forelimbs • Hands long, strong and slender • Nails on all digits of forelimbs • Hind feet large, but narrow (why do not walk well) • Opposable hallux (big toe) on hind feet • Hind toes 2-5 are webbed (may assist in leaping) A. laniger A. occidentalis • Long tail I. indri P. Diadema P. Tattersalli P. verreauxi Morphology & Physiology • Fold of skin from chest to arms (vestigial gliding membrane?) Locomotion: vertical clingers and leapers that spend majority of time in trees (some up to 33 feet) Behavior • Scent marking • Howling, kissing sounds (affection), barks (danger) • Facial expressions • All species diurnal less Avahi sp. which are nocturnal • Indri and Avahi live in groups of 2-5 • Propithecus live in groups of up to 10 • Avahi monogamous Diet • Vegetarians/Folivorous: leaves, fruits, bark, flowers • Stomachs are simple but large to digest plant material • Intestinal tracts are unusually long (elongated caecum) •Well developed salivary glands (adapted to leaves) Sifaka – groud predator Sifaka – lost Sifaka – roar Leaping Indri Leaping Sifaka Dancing Sifaka Conservation • All rate either vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered because of humans • Isolated to island • Habitat destruction for agriculture, timber, charcoal • Some hunted as food by man and raptors •P. tattersalli does not reside in protected areas • P. v. coronatus down to 100-1000 individuals • Indri likely extinct within 100 years without better regulations Reserves include: Analamera Special Reserve, Ankarafantsika Nature Reserve, Manongarivo Special Reserve, Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, Ankarana Special Reserve A. occidentalis