Male Transfer in Captive Ruffed Lemurs, Varecia Variegata Variegata

Abstract

Black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata variegata) groups have been studied under both semi-free-ranging conditions, at the Duke University Primate Center (DUPC), since 1985 and in the wild, within Ranomafana National Park in southeastern Madagascar, since 1988. In 1990, fences separating two established enclosure groups of V. variegata at the DUPC were removed. The lowest ranking males from each group first visited and then transferred from their natal group into the neighboring group. One male transferred into a single-male, single female group and rapidly attained dominance over the older resident male. The male transferring into the larger group (6–8 individuals) rose gradually in rank and mated with both resident adult females (mother and daughter). In V. variegata, female mating with multiple males may be an adaptation to reduce the risk of infanticide, but single male matings appear to be necessary for paternal care (guarding). In the wild, males have also been observed visiting between study groups.