Does nonnutritive tree gouging in a rainforest-dwelling lemur convey resource ownership as does loud calling in a dry forest-dwelling lemur?

摘要: Nonhuman primates may defend crucial resources using acoustic or chemical signals. When essential are limited, ownership display for a resource be enhanced. Defending depend on population density and habitat characteristics. Using the Milne Edwards' sportive lemurs (Lepilemur edwardsi) weasel (L. mustelinus) as models, we tested whether two cryptic nocturnal lemur species differing in show differences their vocal communication signaling of resources. L. edwardsi inhabits western dry deciduous forest high-density population, whereas mustelinus is found an eastern rainforest low density. We followed ten (six males four females) nine (four five 215 hr during early evening (06:00–10:00 p.m.) morning (02:00–05:00 a.m.) recorded behavior focal animal sampling. that both differed communication. was highly displayed loud calling mornings evenings while feeding vicinity resting places. In contrast, never vocalized observations, but tree-gouging observed edwardsi. Tree gouging occurred more often sessions than sessions. Subjects gouged trees after leaving sleeping hole before moving around. suggest that, lemurs, non-nutritive tree used scent-marking order to sites. Altogether, our findings provide first empirical evidence evolution different systems primate contrasting quality Further investigations needed insight into underlying mechanisms.