Ringtailed lemurs (Lemur catta ) are found in the in the dry forests of the ring tailed lemur is the most common type of primate in animal care. They are known for their alternating black and white stripped tail. Of all the lemur species they are considered the most terrestrial. They are found in the southwestern and southern portion of the island of Madagascar in the dry forests. They have large family groups that can contain over 30 individuals of both sexes.
Hierarchy:
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- Ringtailed Lemurs are a social, female dominant species whose daughters gain their dominance from their mothers. In the wild this species lives in large groups consisting of multiple males and multiple females. In captivity they are housed in a variety of configurations.
Introductions:
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- Introductions of groups should be done tactfully. It can be helpful to give groups/individuals olfactory access to each other by swapping blankets or branches, if possible swapping enclosures. When introducing a new individual to a group the dominant female should be introduced first and then the rest to follow. Group dynamics should be closely monitored.
Estrus:
- Cycling :
Breeding season takes place October to December. For most individuals estrus occurs on average every 39 days.
- Contraception:
The DLC elects to not use MGA implants on L.catta due to the frequency of loss of implants due to how tight their skin is. Instead Depo-Provera injections are given IM starting in early September. They are given every 40 days until March.
Parturition protocol:
- Gestation
Birth season occurs typically between the months of March- May. Baby watch dates are determined with 2 factors, the ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and breeding dates. Gestation for L. catta is between 130 and 142 days. Ultrasounds are performed halfway through at the halfway mark for gestation after breeding behaviors are observed (or in the case of no breeding being seen anytime a female appears to be in estus).
- Baby watch
“Baby watch” is a term used at the DLC that indicates a pregnant female should be birthing soon. During baby watch the expectant female is checked first thing in the morning and monitored closely for subtle signs of labor throughout the day. Through many infants are born during the night, daytime births do occur and it’s important to watch for subtle signs of labor.
- Labor and Birth
The subtle signs of labor can be decreased appetite, separating herself from family group, decreased activity, and increased irritability, licking genitals, or frequently shifting positions. When a female is in active labor the infant should be born with in 30 mins from the onset of active labor. If not the vet dept. should be notified as there could be an issue.
- Diet increase
| Infant weight | Increase from standard diet |
| At birth | 1.25 |
| 500g | 1.5 |
| 1000g | 1.75 |
| 1500 | 2 full diets |
- **this is amount is per infant, in the case of twins diets would increase accordingly to 3 full diets.
- Reintroduction
Introductions can begin on day 3 as long as the infant is gaining the appropriate amount of weight and behaving normally, otherwise wait for any issues to be resolved before beginning introductions. During the first day of introductions of dam and infant to another group member it is important to have constant observations for the first hour, if all appears well move to checking every few minutes for another hour. During the first and second days of introductions it is very important to separate dam and infant overnight. The major concern that arises is if another group member gets the infant off the dam. Generally if the group remains calm, the infant can stay with another group member for up to an hour. If dam tries to get infant back and can’t staff may have to intervene and retrieve infant.
- Infant weighing schedule
Week 1: weigh at days 1, 2, 3, 5
Weeks 2-4: once weekly
Months 2-3: every 2 weeks
Months 4-6: once a month
Over 6 months: every other month
Standard diet:
60 g of Mazuri Primate Maintenance Biscuit, Formula number: 5MA2 and ¾ cup of fruit/vegetable mix
Fruit and vegetable mix is 3 daily rotating items of 2 fruits and 1 vegetable.
Weighing Schedule:
Weights are done every 2 months or anytime an animal is caught up. Geriatrics (animals over 20 years old) are weighed monthly or more if directed by veterinary dept. Standard diets are altered based on weights and body conditions.
Non-Free Ranger Groups:
L.catta who are not housed in the DLCs free range enclosures are allowed to have outdoor access at the DLC during staff working hours at 36 degrees. They can have overnight access if the forecasted low is greater than or equal to 41 degrees.
Free Range Groups:
The DLC has 9 natural habitat forest enclosures.
Free range eligible animals can free range at 36 degrees overnight for 3 nights.
Ringtailed lemurs have successfully lived in mixed species enclosures at the DLC. Group dynamics should be closely monitored, especially at feeding times where occasionally groups must be separated for feeding.
