Genetic Evidence for Male and Female Dispersal in Wild Lemur catta

Abstract

Lemur catta has traditionally been considered a species with male-biased dispersal; however, occasional female dispersal occurs. Using molecular data, we evaluated dispersal patterns in 2 L. catta populations in southwestern Madagascar: Tsimanampesotse National Park (TNP) and Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR). We also investigated the genetic differentiation between the populations and dispersal partner relatedness. Results showed minor genetic differentiation between the populations (ϴ_ST = 0.039), which may indicate gene flow historically occurring in this region, made possible by the presence of L. catta groups between the sites. Different patterns of sex-biased dispersal were found between the sites using corrected assignment indices: male-biased dispersal in TNP, and a lack of sex-biased dispersal in BMSR. Observational evidence of female dispersal in BMSR supports these results and may imply intense female resource competition in and around BMSR, because small groups of 2-3 females have been observed dispersing within BMSR and entering the reserve from outside. These dispersing groups largely consisted of mothers transferring with daughters, although we have an aunt-niece pair transferring together. Genetic data suggest that males also transfer with relatives. Our data demonstrate that dispersal partners consist of same-sexed kin for L. catta males and females, highlighting the importance of kin selection.

Host age, social group, and habitat type influence the gut microbiota of wild ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

“…Females also have priority in food access [Sauther, ] and therefore generally consume higher‐quality food that may be less physically and/or mechanically challenging compared to male lemurs [Cuozzo et al, ; Sauther, ]. With respect to social behavior, females typically (but not always) stay in their natal group, while males generally migrate out of the group when they are between the ages of three and five [Parga et al, ; Sauther et al, ]. Intergroup encounters are common with most confrontations involving food access and keeping others away from core areas of their home ranges [Sauther et al, ].…”

Heteropaternity of twins in ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

“…Ten microliters of Tris‐EDTA (1 M Tris Base, 0.5 M EDTA, pH 8.0) were added to the DNA extract. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in 12.5 μl reactions, using the same reagents and reaction conditions as in Parga, Sauther, Cuozzo, Youssouf Jacky, and Lawler () to amplify 10 microsatellite loci (Table ): Lc5, Lc6, Lc7 (Pastorini, Fernando, Forstner, & Melnick, ), 69HDZ091, 69HDZ176, 69HDZ267, 69HDZ299 (Zaonarivelo et al, ), Efr09 (Jekielek & Strobeck, ), L‐2 (Merenlender, ), Em12 (Parga et al, ). Genotypes on all individuals were validated by repeating PCR amplification from separate extractions a minimum of twice per marker, per animal.…”

Contact calling behaviour in the male ring‐tailed lemur (Lemur catta)

“…Ring‐tailed lemur groups are typically comprised of 5–27 animals and contain approximately equal numbers of adult males and females (Bolt, ; Gould et al., ; Jolly, ; Sussman, , ). Female ring‐tailed lemurs are philopatric, while males disperse for the first time at age of 3–4, meaning that adult males are typically non‐natal group members while adult females, juveniles and infants are typically natal group members (Sussman, ; but see Parga et al., ). Bolt collected data on 31 males aged ≥1 year old from five different ring‐tailed lemur groups (Table ).…”

“…Female ring-tailed lemurs are philopatric, while males disperse for the first time at age of 3-4, meaning that adult males are typically nonnatal group members while adult females, juveniles and infants are typically natal group members (Sussman, 1992; but see Parga et al, 2015). Bolt collected data on 31 males aged ≥1 year old from five different ring-tailed lemur groups (Table 1).…”