MWK_Research

Mary Wynne Kotschwar

M.S. Thesis Research

My research focuses on how lemur anti-predator behavior may be affected by changing predator communities in fragmented forest systems. Working with my advisor, Dr. Sarah Karpanty, and fellow graduate student, Brian Gerber, I will monitor lemur predator communities and observe lemur behavior in a continuous forest site (Ranomafana National Park) and a fragmented forest site (Ialatsara Private Reserve) in southeastern Madagascar. I will conduct playback experiments, involving the broadcast of recorded predator vocalizations, with groups of an endangered lemur, the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi), at both sites. Observed differences in the lemurs’ vigilance behaviors, alarm calling, use of different canopy heights, activity budget and selection of rest and sleep sites between the two sites with different predator communities would provide insight into the impact of fragmentation on lemur-predator relationships and possible implications for the conservation of threatened predators and primates.

Research objectives:

1. Determine the presence/absence and relative abundance of aerial and terrestrial lemur predators in continuous and fragmented forest sites in southeastern Madagascar.

2. Observe height choice, vigilance behaviors, rest/sleep site selection, and alarm calling behaviors of Milne-Edwards’ sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi). Determine if these behaviors differ between the two study areas.

3. Observe responses of P. edwardsi to experimental playbacks of aerial and terrestrial predators. Determine if these responses differ between the two study areas.

4. Determine whether differences in baseline anti-predator behaviors and lemur predator recognition and response are correlated with habitat characteristics, especially the incidence and relative abundances of important predators, or degree of forest fragmentation.