Male and Female Ringtailed Lemurs' Energetic Strategy Does Not Explain Female Dominance

Scaling of free-ranging primate energetics with body mass predicts low energy expenditure in humans

“…Assuming that basal metabolic rate in Propithecus diadema is only 45% of Kleiber's equation (as found in the closely related species Propithecus verreauxi), we calculate a PAL at 1446 kJ d −1 /433 kJ d −1 = 3.3 for this lemur species. In contrast, the PAL of 4 anthropoid species tested is ≤2 (Table S3; see also [47]). We note however that the mixed sample of captive and wild primate species [15] includes a larger proportion of terrestrial species in the sample, especially species above 10 kg.…”

Lemur catta (Primates: Lemuridae)

“…However, this ''female need'' hypothesis has been challenged by the finding that lemur infants in fact grow slowly in comparison to those of higher primates, and that the milk is no richer than that of higher primates (Tilden 2008;Tilden and Oftedal 1997). Apparently, energetic strategy does not explain female dominance (Rasamimanana et al 2006).…”

The ranging behavior of Lemur catta in the region of Cap Sainte‐Marie, Madagascar

“…Alternatively, the TA group's very marked decrease in ranging activity during the cooler months may have been indicative of an energy conservation strategy (Pereira et al, 1999;Rasamimanana et al, 2006). With this group only, associations between temperature and day range length indicate that this group traveled less with cool temperatures, and when this group traveled less, it was sunning.…”

“…With this group only, associations between temperature and day range length indicate that this group traveled less with cool temperatures, and when this group traveled less, it was sunning. Therefore, although food availability may have contributed to the group's decision to remain largely sedentary, the group's restricted ranging behavior may have also been in reaction to cooler temperatures and the need to maximize solar radiation through sunning behaviors (Rasamimanana et al, 2006;Jablonski et al, 2009;Jablonski et al, in preparation). Thermoregulatory behavior in cool weather also occurs among other Lemuridae who do not have specialized sunning postures, i.e., Eulemur collaris huddle more often and have smaller day ranges during the cooler seasons (Donati et al, 2011).…”