Comparing Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) Presence and Distribution between Degraded and Non-Degraded Forest within Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Abstract

The aye-aye is considered the most widely distributed lemur in Madagascar; however, the effect of forest quality on aye-aye abundance is unknown. We compared aye-aye presence across degraded and non-degraded forest at Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We used secondary signs (feeding sites, high activity sites) as indirect cues of aye-aye presence and Canarium trees as an indicator of resource availability. All 3 measured variables indicated higher aye-aye abundance within non-degraded forest; however, the differences across forest type were not significant. Both degraded and non-degraded forests showed a positive correlation between feeding sites and high activity sites. We found that Canarium, an important aye-aye food source, was rare and had limited dispersal, particularly across degraded forest. This preliminary study provides baseline data for aye-aye activity and resource utilization across degraded and non-degraded forests.

To tell a different story: Unexpected diversity in local attitudes towards Endangered Aye‐ayes Daubentonia madagascariensis offers new opportunities for conservation

“…This forces Aye‐ayes to forage in plantations, feeding on human crops like litchi, sugar cane and coconuts (Ancrenaz et al., 1994; Andriamasimanana, 1994). Its foraging behaviour depends on the distribution of food for which it actively seeks, even in non‐primary habitats (Farris et al., 2011; Randimbiharinirina et al., 2018). From our interviews, people reported that they have no explanation for certain behaviours like Aye‐ayes climbing up the roof of houses.…”

Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) Feeding Strategies at Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar: An Indirect Sampling Method

“…The research was conducted in the forests of Talatakely, a degraded forest, and Vatoharanana, a nondegraded forest 4 km to the south [Wright, 1997;Balko and Underwood, 2005;Tecot, 2008]. Though the exact distribution and population size of aye-ayes in RNP is unknown, there have been multiple sightings, both within and outside the park boundaries, confirming their presence [Farris et al, 2011].…”

“…2 weeks old) at each location, every other week for a total of 8 weeks per location ensuring that no single trace was counted twice. Deadwood feeding traces were recognizable by the characteristic marking left after an aye-aye has foraged for insects [Duckworth, 1993;Erickson, 1995;Farris et al, 2011]. Such markings include incisor indentations, wood shavings, and a hole or channel in the center of the deadwood.…”

Initial Reintroduction of the Aye-Aye (<b><i>Daubentonia madagascariensis</i></b>) in Anjajavy Reserve, Northwestern Madagascar

“…This species is known for its distinctive morphological characteristics, like rodent-like incisors, elongated digits, and bat-like ears, which are adaptations to their unique feeding behavior known as "percussive foraging" [Albignac, 1987;Milliken et al, 1991;Sterling and Povinelli, 1999). Although this species may be widely distributed across Madagascar, population sizes are unknown, and ecological data are sparse [Sterling and McCreless, 2006;Farris et al, 2011].…”

“…Most studies on the ecology of D. madagascariensis have been carried out in the eastern rain forests of Madagascar [Petter and Peyrieras, 1970;Iwano and Iwakawa, 1988;Iwano, 1991;Sterling, 1993a, b;Ancrenaz et al, 1994;Erickson, 1995;Farris et al, 2011;Sefczek et al, 2012;Sedera, 2014;Solofondranohatra, 2014;Randimbiharinirina, 2015;Thompson et al, 2016;Sefczek et al, 2017;Randimbiharinirina et al, 2018, Sefczek et al, 2020aRakotondrazandry et al, 2021;Randimbiharinirina et al, 2021]. In these habitats, aye-ayes have been reported to feed on insects and larvae, fruits and seeds [Andriamasimanana, 1994], nectar and flowers [Sterling, 1993;Ancrenaz et al, 1994;Sterling, 1993b], bamboo shoots and outgrowths on trees [Pollock et al, 1985;Sterling and McCreless, 2006].…”