Hapalemur alaotrensis Rumpler, 1975

Scientific name:

Hapalemur alaotrensis

Scientist name:

Rumpler, 1975

Malagasy:

Bandro

English:

Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur

German:

Lac Alaotra-Bambuslemur

Other english:

Alaotran Bamboo Lemur, Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur

French:

Hapalémur du Lac Alaotra

Family:

LEMURIDAE Gray, 1821

Taxa:

Hapalemur

Species

Identification

Hapalemur alaotrensis is larger than all other Hapalemur except for H. aureus (see Vuillaume-Randriamanantena et al., 1985). Head-body length and tail length are about equal at 40 cm, and the average total length is 80 cm. Adult body weight ranges from 1.1–1.55 kg, with males usually slightly larger than females (Mutschler, 1999; Ralainasolo, 2004; Rabarivola et al., 2007). The pelage is dense and woolly. It is gray-brown on the dorsal coat, and the face and ventral coat are a lighter gray. The crown and nape are chestnut-brown. The species is not likely to be confused with other lemurs in the field since it is the only diurnal lemur in its unusual reed bed habitat. The only other species reported to be sympatric with it is a mouse lemur, which is much smaller and entirely nocturnal (J. Ratsimbazafy, pers. obs.).

Natural history

In its unique marshland habitat, this lemur feeds principally on four food items: the pithy stems of papyrus (Cyperus madagascariensis), tender shoots of reeds (Phragmites communis), and two species of grass (Echinocochla crusgalli and Leersia hexandra) (Mutschler, 1999). Active mainly during daylight hours, H. alaotrensis also exhibits significant nocturnal activity, a pattern referred to as cathemeral (Mutschler et al., 1998). The typical mode of locomotion is vertical clinging and leaping, and there are reports of it swimming (Petter and Peyriéras, 1975). The Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur lives in family groups of up to a dozen members, and defends territories ranging in size from 1 to 8 ha (Nievergelt et al., 1998; Razafindramahatra, 2004; J. Durbin, pers. comm.). Young are born from September through February and twins are common (Mutschler et al., 2000). Groups may contain more than one breeding female.

Geographic range

The Alaotran bamboo lemur is known only from the papyrus and reed beds surrounding Lac Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest lake, on the western edge of the eastern rain forest region (Mutschler and Feistner, 1995). There are two subpopulations, a small one in the northern part of the lake around the Belempona Peninsula and a larger one in the adjoining marshlands along the lake’s southwestern shores (Mutschler et al., 2001). Its entire range is evidently less than 9,000 ha, and it occurs only up to elevations of 750 m.

Conservation status

The most recent IUCN Red List assessment (2008) classified H. alaotrensis as Critically Endangered (CR). Conversion of marsh habitat to rice fields has been the most significant historical threat, to the point where little suitable land remains on which local farmers might cultivate this crop. Hunting for food and capture for pets have also reduced lemur numbers (Petter and Peyriéras, 1970a; Jolly et al., 1984). Various methods of hunting and trapping are employed by local people. Direct pursuit by dogs is the most common, but they may also be captured by using a harpoon, a snare, a stick to knock them out or into the water, by burning their reed bed habitat, or just by chasing them down. Commercial drainage projects are a potential threat. Regular burning to increase cattle pasture, facilitate local fishing, and develop new rice fields in dry years reduces suitable lemur habitat and also promotes the invasion of exotic plant species that may choke the remaining marshes. Population estimates for H. alaotrensis range from 2,500 to 5,000 individuals, representing a decline of approximately 30% in just over a decade (Ralainasolo, 2004; J. Ratsimbazafy, unpubl.). Thanks to efforts of Durrell, a new 42,478-ha protected area was created there in early 2007. This includes both a strict conservation area of 8,000 ha, and an adjacent 5,200-ha core zone of marsh where controlled activities (e.g., fishing) are permitted. In addition, public awareness campaigns continue to focus on the benefits of habitat conservation to the half million or more people who live by the lake. The benefits include erosion control, the biological filtering of agricultural pollutants, and flood prevention. Lac Alaotra is a 722,500-ha Ramsar wetland site, designated in 2003. As of 2010 there was a small, self-sustaining population of around 66 individuals in various European zoos (I. J. Porton, pers. comm.). The captive population was first started by the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust (now Durrell) back in 1990, when the first wild animals were obtained, and is an excellent example of the role that captive breeding of an endangered species can play for conservation purposes.

Where to see it

The best way to see this cryptic and elusive lemur is to travel by pirogue through the reed beds of Lac Alaotra. When water levels are low, it can also be seen by walking in and around the reed beds, but it is helpful to have experienced guides familiar with the animal. The best starting points are Andreba on the eastern side of the lake or Andilana Atsimo on the western side. Both villages can be reached from Ambatondrazaka, the main town on the lake’s south side. Ambatondrazaka offers simple hotel accommodation and can be reached in 40 minutes by plane or six to seven hours by car from Antananarivo.

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