Nocturnal Malagasy Primates: Ecology, Physiology, and Behavior is composed of different studies investigating the "strategies adopted by lesser known nocturnal species of Marosalaza forest to cope with the contrasted seasonal conditions. In general, it defines the relationship between ecology and physiology of these species.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part is comprised of five chapters detailing field studies conducted during the seven successive and overlapping field trips, from November 1973 to July 1974. This part is focused on dietary adaptations,growth and reproductive cycles, activity rhythms, social structures, and interspecific competition in five sympatric prosimian species. The second part is also comprised of five chapters, but describes the laboratory studies conducted at Brunoy in simulated climatic conditions. It centerson the relationshipsand comparisons between species of annual variations in feeding,body weight, activity, and reproduction, with supplementary investigations of social interactions, marking,and learning abilities.
Altogether, the field and laboratory studies presented in this book constitute a comprehensive approach to elucidate the problem of ecophysiology.

Contenu

Preface
Part I Field Studies
1 The Dry Forest of the West Coast of Madagascar: Climate, Phenology, and Food Available for Prosimians
Introduction
The Climate of the West Coast of Madagascar
Plant Formations in the Morondava Area
Floristic Composition and Structure of the Forest in the Study Area
Forest Litter Production
Phenology and Food Availability
Alkaloid Screening in Leaves
Discussion
Appendix I
Appendix II
References
2 Feeding Strategies of Five Nocturnal Prosimians in the Dry Forest of the West Coast of Madagascar
Introduction
Seasonal Variations in Food Production and Food
Composition in the Marosalaza Forest
Populations of Nocturnal Prosimians in Relation to Food Availability
Adaptive Strategies of Prosimians
Discussion
References
3 Ecology and Social Life of Phaner furcifer
Introduction
Methods
Diet
Population Parameters
Social Life
Discussion
References
4 Ethoecology of Microcebus coquereli during the Dry Season
Introduction
Study Area and Methods
Feeding Behavior
Nest Building Behavior
Nocturnal Activity and Circadian Rhythms
Social Organization
Intercommunication
Discussion
References
5 Quantitative and Qualitative Study of the Light Available in the Natural Biotope of Malagasy Prosimians
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Note
References
Part II Studies in Simulated Climatic Conditions
6 Seasonal Activity Rhythms, Reproduction, and Body Weight Variations in Five Sympatric
Nocturnal Prosimians, in Simulated Light and Climatic Conditions
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
References
7 Annual Variations in the Circadian Activity Rhythms of Five Sympatric Species of Nocturnal Prosimians in Captivity
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
References
8 A Comparative Study of Food Intake in Five Nocturnal Prosimians in Simulated Climatic Conditions
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
References
9 Seasonal Variation in the Fecal Marking of Cheirogateus médius in Simulated Climatic Conditions
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
References
10 Ecological Correlates of Visual Learning in Nocturnal Prosimians
Introduction
Material and Methods
Results
Discussion
References
Summaries of Chapters
Index