Seasonal Changes in Feeding Ecology and Activity Patterns of Two Sympatric Mouse Lemur Species,the Gray Mouse Lemur (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcebus murinus</Emphasis>) and the Golden-brown Mouse Lemur (<Emphasis Type="Italic">M. ravelobensis</Emphasis>), in Northwestern Madagascar |
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Authors: | Sandra Thorén Franziska Quietzsch Doreen Schwochow Lalandy Sehen Christopher Meusel Kate Meares Ute Radespiel |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, 30559 Hanover, Germany;(2) Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;(3) Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, 30559 Hanover, Germany;(4) Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar |
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Abstract: | Because closely related species are likely to be ecologically similar owing to common ancestry, they should show some degree
of differentiation in order to coexist. We studied 2 morphologically similar congeneric species, the golden-brown mouse lemur
(Microcebus ravelobensis) and the gray mouse lemur (M. murinus). These species are found in partial sympatry in the dry deciduous forest in northwestern Madagascar. We investigated whether
1) feeding niche differentiation and/or 2) a reduction in locomotor activity during periods of food shortage, which might
reflect an energy saving strategy, can explain the coexistence of these 2 lemur species. To obtain feeding and behavioral
data, we conducted focal observations of 11 female Microcebus murinus and 9 female M. ravelobensis during 11 months from 2007 to 2008 and collected fecal samples for 6 mo. We monitored the phenology of 272 plant specimens
and trapped arthropods to determine food availability. Results revealed interspecific differences in 1) relative proportion
of consumed food resources, resulting in a merely partial dietary overlap, and in 2) relative importance of seasonally varying
food resources throughout the year. In addition, females of Microcebus murinus showed a reduction in locomotor activity during the early dry season, which might reflect an energy-saving strategy and might
further reduce potential competition with M. ravelobensis over limited food resources. To conclude, a combination of interspecific feeding niche differentiation and differences in
locomotor activity appears to facilitate the coexistence of Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis. |
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