Abstract

Eulemur coronatus (Gray, Primates and Lemuridae) belongs to the endemic animal species in Amber Mountain National Park, Madagascar. As a frugivorous lemur, it may have an important role in the forest regeneration. However, until now, no study has carried out the role of this lemur in forest regeneration. The diet and seed dispersal by E. coronatus were studied to determine the potential ecological role of this lemur in regeneration of Amber forest. A group of E. coronatus was observed and monitored during 396 hours. Field observation recorded the food items taken, plant species consumed and plants organs preferred. Seeds from discarded food items left by the group of E. coronatus being followed were collected to perform the germination tests. This allowed analysis of the germination potential of the collected seeds. The results showed that feeding times for E. coronatus varied significantly (p=0.01) across the study period. E. coronatus spent more time eating fruits than other organs of plants comprising 92%. E. coronatus consumed 46 plant species, with plants in the family Moraceae comprising 33% of those eaten. Overall, passed seeds had significantly higher germination rates than those control seeds (t =5.53, p=0.01). The average latency period of passed and control seeds ranged from 40 to 87 days and from 47.5 to 91 days, respectively. This study revealed the contribution of E. coronatus on the Amber forest regeneration and the crucial role that it can play in Madagascar forest to preserve the endemic plants species.

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