The origin of the Bemaraha tsingy (Madagascar)

Veress, Márton; Lóczy, Dénes; Zentai, Zoltán; Tóth, Gábor; Schläffer, Roland

doi:10.5038/1827-806x.37.2.6

Cited by 31 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…The concept of "petrous" locomotion has applications beyond Trachypithecus delacouri at VLNR and may apply to a number of other primate species. For example, Malagasy lemurs also live and travel across petrous substrates including the sharp and complex karst tsingy (Veress et al 2008). In addition, hamadryas and other baboon species are known to climb and sleep on cliffs (Hamilton 1982;Kummer 1968;Schreier and Swedell 2008).…”

Section: The Significance Of Traveling On Rocks By Limestone Langursmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Extensive nonarboreal activity might be interpreted as a response to the mechanical requirements of this harsh habitat, because Trachypithecus poliocephalus leucocephalus spend 70% of their locomotor time on rocks and cliffs (Huang and Li 2005). Although travel across rocks and cliffs by limestone langurs has been described as "terrestrial," limestone karst in Vietnam, like the karst "tsingy" of Madagascar (Veress et al 2008) and sleeping cliffs occupied by some baboons (Kummer 1968), is an uneven, often inclined, sharp, unforgiving, and dangerous substrate, unlike the ground and dirt traversed by conventionally terrestrial primates (Papio anubis : Rose 1977;Erythrocebus patas: Hurov 1987). Although limestone karst environments may be similar to terrestrial substrates in offering a "greater opportunity for continuous pathways of travel" (Garber 2007, p. 545) compared to a discontinuous arboreal canopy, there are notable differences in these rocky substrates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Positional Behavior of Delacour’s Langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Northern Vietnam

Workman

Schmitt

2011

Int J Primatol

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Information on positional behavior can help elucidate relationships between a species' morphology, behavior, and environment. Delacour's langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) are similar to other colobines in body mass and intermembral index, yet inhabit a limestone karst environment. From August 2007 to July 2008, we collected 372 h of positional behavior and substrate use data from 8 groups of Trachypithecus delacouri in Van Long Nature Reserve, Vietnam to address questions about how the distinct-and potentially dangerous-features of karst influence colobine positional behavior. Results show that Trachypithecus delacouri is predominantly quadrupedal (66%). However, they exhibit differences that set them apart from many other colobines. Nearly 80% of locomotor and postural behaviors were performed on rocks. Leaping was remarkably infrequent, representing only 6% of overall locomotion. They leapt 3 times more frequently on trees (13%) than on rocks (4%) and more frequently used trees as a landing substrate than rocks (38% vs. 23%), both significant differences. We argue that rock (and cliff) travel is altogether different from terrestrial and arboreal travel and propose using the term petrous to indicate the substrate and incorporate the implications of its precise sharpness and verticality that lead to the complexities and risk of locomotion on rock surfaces. Trachypithecus delacouri does not show specific adaptations for limestone karst. Instead they appear to be a behaviorally flexible species and, owing to the generalized locomotor capabilities that characterize cercopithecids, capable of locomoting through and living in the limestone rock environment to which they have relatively recently been restricted.

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Section: The Significance Of Traveling On Rocks By Limestone Langursmentioning

confidence: 98%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Positional Behavior of Delacour’s Langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Northern Vietnam

Workman

Schmitt

2011

Int J Primatol

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“…The Beanka area was briefly visited by speleologists in 1996, and the group returned in 2006 for a more detailed survey that revealed several interesting caves (Middleton, 2013). As in the adjacent karst areas, many caves are grikes , limestone features thought to have been formed by the solution of joints in the rock below the water table that subsequently opened to the surface (Veress et al, 2008).…”

Section: Location and Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subfossil lemur discoveries from the Beanka Protected Area in western Madagascar

et al. 2019

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A new fossil site in a previously unexplored part of western Madagascar (the Beanka Protected Area) has yielded remains of many recently extinct vertebrates, including giant lemurs (Babakotia radofilai, Palaeopropithecus kelyus, Pachylemur sp., and Archaeolemur edwardsi), carnivores (Cryptoprocta spelea), the aardvark-like Plesiorycteropus sp., and giant ground cuckoos (Coua). Many of these represent considerable range extensions. Extant species that were extirpated from the region (e.g., Prolemur simus) are also present. Calibrated radiocarbon ages for 10 bones from extinct primates span the last three millennia. The largely undisturbed taphonomy of bone deposits supports the interpretation that many specimens fell in from a rock ledge above the entrance. Some primates and other mammals may have been prey items of avian predators, but human predation is also evident. Strontium isotope ratios ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) suggest that fossils were local to the area. Pottery sherds and bones of extinct and extant vertebrates with cut and chop marks indicate human activity in previous centuries. Scarcity of charcoal and human artifacts suggests only occasional visitation to the site by humans. The fossil assemblage from this site is unusual in that, while it contains many sloth lemurs, it lacks ratites, hippopotami, and crocodiles typical of nearly all other Holocene subfossil sites on Madagascar.

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“…One of the landforms sculpting the landscape of some protected areas in Madagascar (e.g., Bemahara, Namoroka, Ankarana) is the tsingy, unique and spectacular karst limestone formations which consist of ragged, razor -sharp pinnacles (Rossi 1983, Salomon 2006, Veress et al 2008 Madagascar has a large number of fascinating geosites, which can attract many different types of visitors from all socio -cultural backgrounds. Geotourism may play an important role in poverty eradication of an area, and help to build and empower local communities.…”

Section: Geoconservation and Geodiversity In Madagascarmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geoconservation and geodiversity for sustainable development in Madagascar

Raharimahefa

2013

MCD

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Madagascar is well known for its unique and rare natural beauty, and it is one of the biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Many efforts have been made for the protection of biodiversity, yet initiatives towards the conservation of geodiversity are often neglected. Geoconservation refers to the conservation of geological diversity or geodiversity, and it is often applied to a specific location, known as a geosite, where important earth features (geological, paleontological, geomorphological, hydrological and pedological) are protected, preserved and managed. Madagascar is very rich in natural resources and has many spectacular geological features, such as the beautiful gorges and canyons of Isalo, Tsingy de Bemaraha, Ankarana caves, hot springs and volcanic lakes of Itasy, all of which should be conserved and protected by local authorities, the private sector and local communities. Such initiatives can not only help to maintain and protect geological sites of particular importance, but also contribute to sustainable economic development. This essay aims to introduce geoconservation and sustainability in Madagascar, and to increase public knowledge and awareness of geodiversity and its conservation. The creation of geological tourism sites or geoparks is undoubtedly one of the most important steps to promote the conservation of geosites, and the promotion of earth science education should help expand and consolidate their protection.RÉSUMÉMadagascar est renommée pour la beauté exceptionnelle de sa nature qui est unique. L'île est classée parmi les sites stratégiques nécessitant la mise en place de politiques de conservation de la biodiversité. Malgré les efforts déployés par les protecteurs de la nature au cours des dernières années pour la conservation des écosystèmes, la géoconservation demeure un nouveau concept de conservation qui est méconnu par la plupart des Malgaches. La géoconservation se réfère à la conservation de la diversité géologique ou géodiversité, qui s’applique généralement à un endroit spécifique désigné en tant que géosite, dans lequel on reconnait des éléments et des dispositifs géologiques importants qui méritent d’être protégés, préservés et gérés comme par exemple dans les domaines de la paléontologie, la géomorphologie, l’hydrologie et la pédologie. La géodiversité de Madagascar compte parmi les plus spectaculaires au monde, allant des rares gisements de minéraux à des paysages et des reliefs spectaculaires, en passant par de belles plages et des grottes qui sont autant de richesses qui pourraient être classées en tant que patrimoine géologique mondial. Face à la dégradation rapide de la géodiversité à Madagascar, il est urgent d’adopter une politique efficace de géoconservation de nombreux sites au profit de la population locale, qui devra aussi permettre de donner un coup de pouce au progrès vers le développement durable du pays

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The origin of the Bemaraha tsingy (Madagascar)

Cited by 31 publications

References 4 publications

Positional Behavior of Delacour’s Langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Northern Vietnam

Positional Behavior of Delacour’s Langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Northern Vietnam

Subfossil lemur discoveries from the Beanka Protected Area in western Madagascar

Geoconservation and geodiversity for sustainable development in Madagascar

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