Population, Diet and Conservation of Malayan Flying Lemurs in Altered and Fragmented Habitats in Singapore

The Malayan flying lemur (Cynocephalus variegatus) is a nocturnal mammalian arboreal folivore that inhabits the forests of Southeast Asia. Surveys were conducted from August to November 2003 to estimate the population density of Malayan flying lemurs for the first time in the Singapore Zoological Gardens. The study area consisting of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari was located in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, where most of Singapore’s remaining natural forest is found. The Zoo consisted of 28 ha of landscaped habitat and the adjacent Night Safari consisted of 40 ha of secondary rainforest. The density estimates of flying lemurs in the Zoo and Night Safari were 15 and 24 individuals respectively. Seven plant species that were the preferred food items and an additional 10 plants that were common in the sites but not eaten by the flying lemurs were analysed to compare the mineral and phytochemical contents. Flying lemurs consumed leaves containing significantly less potassium and nitrogen but higher tannin (p < 0.05). The study shows that flying lemurs are able to survive in altered and fragmented landscapes. Conservation and management strategies are essential to protect the shrinking habitats in Singapore.