Papers by Emmanuel Rasolondraibe
This file contains the filtered sequences produced by G/H primers. The sequences have been produc... more This file contains the filtered sequences produced by G/H primers. The sequences have been produced by the Illumina technology (GA IIx platform)
Madagascar exhibits extraordinarily high level of species richness and endemism, while being seve... more Madagascar exhibits extraordinarily high level of species richness and endemism, while being severely threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation (HL&F). In front of such threat to biodiversity, conservation effort can be directed, for instance, in the documentation of species that are still unknown to science, or in investigating how species respond to HL&F. The tufted-tail rats genus (Eliurusspp.) is the most speciose genus of endemic rodents in Madagascar, with 13 described species, which occupy two major habitat types: dry or humid forests. The large species diversity and association to specific habitat types make theEliurusgenus a suitable model for investigating species adaptation to new environments, as well as response to HL&F (dryvshumid). In the present study, we investigatedEliurusspp. genomic diversity across northern Madagascar, a region covered by both dry and humid fragmented forests. From the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear genomic (RAD-seq) data of 124Eliurus...
This file contains the filtered sequences produced by G/H primers. The sequences have been produc... more This file contains the filtered sequences produced by G/H primers. The sequences have been produced by the Illumina technology (GA IIx platform)
Propithecus coronatus is an endangered, diurnal forest-dwelling lemur of northwestern Madagascar.... more Propithecus coronatus is an endangered, diurnal forest-dwelling lemur of northwestern Madagascar. We conducted the first extensive population genetic study for this species. We designed new primers to amplify and sequence the mitochondrial D-loop of 125 individuals from 14 localities in the northern part of the species' distribution. Our aim was to assess the genetic variability and differentiation of this species in a fragmented landscape. Compared to other lemurs, crowned sifakas have a moderate level of haplotype diversity (0.853) and a low nucleotide diversity (1.21%). Despite the considerable forest fragmentation in the region surveyed, the species does not show strong signals of genetic structure as shown by the Φ ST estimates, the network of haplotypes, and the limited correlation between genetic and geographic distance. The current mtDNA estimated effective population size was relatively large (median: 11,262; 95% HPD: 5,107−20,083), in agreement with recent census estim...
This file contains all unique sequences produced by G/H primers and occurring more than once. The... more This file contains all unique sequences produced by G/H primers and occurring more than once. The sequences have been produced by the Illumina technology (GA IIx platform)
In tropical regions, most primary ecosystems have been replaced by mosaic landscapes in which spe... more In tropical regions, most primary ecosystems have been replaced by mosaic landscapes in which species must cope with a large shift in the distribution of their habitat and associated food resources. Primates are particularly vulnerable to habitat modifications. Most species persist in small fragments surrounded by complex human-mediated matrices whose structure and connectivity may strongly influence their dispersal and feeding behavior. Behavioral plasticity appears to be a crucial parameter governing the ability of organisms to exploit the resources offered by new matrix habitats and thus to persist in fragmented habitats. In this study, we were interested in the dietary plasticity of the golden-crowned sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli), an endangered species of lemur, found only in the Daraina region in north-eastern Madagascar. We used a DNA-based approach combining the barcoding concept and Illumina next-generation sequencing to (i) describe the species diet across its entire ra...
Journal of Mammalogy, 2020
The geographic distribution of a species can provide insights into its population size, ecology, ... more The geographic distribution of a species can provide insights into its population size, ecology, evolution, and how it responded to past (and may respond to future) environmental change. Improving our knowledge of the distribution of threatened species thus is a high priority in assessing their conservation status. However, there are few data available for many recently described yet understudied and potentially threatened primate taxa, making their conservation difficult. Here, we investigated the distribution of the Montagne d’Ambre fork-marked lemur, Phaner electromontis, a threatened nocturnal primate endemic to northern Madagascar and classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Because fork-marked lemurs are highly vocal, we used acoustic surveys to assess the species’ presence-absence and relative population density within 66 distinct forest survey sites in northern Madagascar. Further, we compared data among five forest types within the study area and investigated the relationship ...
American Journal of Primatology, 2019
Tropical forests harbor extremely high levels of biological diversity and are quickly disappearin... more Tropical forests harbor extremely high levels of biological diversity and are quickly disappearing. Despite the increasingly recognized high rate of habitat loss, it is expected that new species will be discovered as more effort is put to document tropical biodiversity. Exploring under‐studied regions is particularly urgent if we consider the rapid changes in habitat due to anthropogenic activities. Madagascar is known for its extraordinary biological diversity and endemicity. It is also threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. It holds more than 100 endemic primate species (lemurs). Among these, Microcebus (mouse lemurs) is one of the more diverse genera. We sampled mouse lemurs from several sites across northern Madagascar, including forests never sampled before. We obtained morphological data from 99 Microcebus individuals; we extracted DNA from tissue samples of 42 individuals and amplified two mitochondrial loci (cytb and cox2) commonly used for species identification. Our findings update the distribution of three species (Microcebus tavaratra, Microcebus arnholdi, and Microcebus mamiratra), including a major increase in the distribution area of M. arnholdi. We also report the discovery of a new Microcebus lineage genetically related to M. arnholdi. Several complementary approaches suggest that the newly identified Microcebus lineage might correspond to a new putative species, to be confirmed or rejected with additional data. In addition, morphological analyses showed (a) clear phenotypic differences between M. tavaratra and M. arnholdi, but no clear differences between the new Microcebus lineage and the sister species M. arnholdi; and (b) a significant correlation between climatic variables and morphology, suggesting a possible relationship between species identity, morphology, and environment. By integrating morphological, climatic, genetic, and spatial data of two northern Microcebus species, we show that the spatial distribution of forest‐dwelling species may be used as a proxy to reconstruct the past spatial changes in forest cover and vegetation type.
Conservation Genetics, 2018
Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity worldwide. Madagascar is among t... more Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity worldwide. Madagascar is among the top biodiversity hotspots and in the past 100 years several species became endangered on the island as a consequence of anthropogenic activities. In this study, we assessed the levels of genetic diversity and variation of a population of mouse lemurs (Microcebus tavaratra) inhabiting the degraded forests of the Loky-Manambato region (Northern Madagascar). We used a panel of 15 microsatellite markers to genotype 149 individuals. Our aim was to understand if the elements contributing to the heterogeneity of the landscape, such as forest fragmentation, roads, rivers and open habitat, influence the genetic structure of this population. The results showed that geographic distance along with open habitat, vegetation type and, to some extent, the Manankolana River, seem to be the main factors responsible for M. tavaratra population structure in this region. We found that this species still maintains substantial levels of genetic diversity within each forest patch and at the overall population, with low genetic differentiation observed between patches. This seems to suggest that the still existing riparian forest network connecting the different forest patches in this region, facilitates dispersal and maintains high levels of gene flow. We highlight that special efforts targeting riparian forest maintenance and reforestation might be a good strategy to reduce the effect of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity of extant M. tavaratra populations.
Madagascar Conservation & Development, 2018
Habitat loss and poaching are among the most serious threats to the fragile and unique biodiversi... more Habitat loss and poaching are among the most serious threats to the fragile and unique biodiversity of Madagascar. In the past, traditional taboos (fady), commonly associated with folk stories, have had a buffering effect on several lemur species. Here, we examine the status of hunting taboos with reference to the conservation of the critically endangered Perrier's sifaka (Propithecus perrieri). We also provide an update on P. perrieri's presence in the protected area of Andrafiamena in the face of ongoing habitat fragmentation and poaching. The Andrafiamena forest represents one of the key refuges for this species, which has a very limited and fragmented range in northern Madagascar. We report the results of a 201 6 presence/absence survey in Andrafiamena and from interviews on Perrier's sifaka taboo adherence, conducted in 201 2 across the whole species range. Our results confirm the presence of Perrier's sifakas in Andrafiamena and that in 201 2, across the species' range, the hunting taboo was observed by most (>95%) interviewees who answered (N = 23). Forest clearing and a decrease of taboo adherence may intensify the pressure on the already small and fragile population of P. perrieri. A deeper knowledge of the human-wildlife interconnections, as well as regular monitoring of this rare species' distribution, may be crucial for the success of its conservation.
International Journal of Primatology, 2018
Phylogeographic barriers, together with habitat loss and fragmentation, contribute to the evoluti... more Phylogeographic barriers, together with habitat loss and fragmentation, contribute to the evolution of a species' genetic diversity by limiting gene flow and increasing genetic differentiation among populations. Changes in connectivity can thus Int J Primatol
International Journal of Primatology, 2018
Phylogeographic barriers, together with habitat loss and fragmentation, contribute to the evoluti... more Phylogeographic barriers, together with habitat loss and fragmentation, contribute to the evolution of a species' genetic diversity by limiting gene flow and increasing genetic differentiation among populations. Changes in connectivity can thus Int J Primatol
Madagascar Conservation & Development, 2015
Tree hollows provide shelters for a large number of forest-dependent vertebrate species worldwide... more Tree hollows provide shelters for a large number of forest-dependent vertebrate species worldwide. In Madagascar, where high historical and ongoing rates of deforestation and forest degradation are responsible for a major environmental crisis, reduced availability of tree hollows may lead to declines in hollow-dwelling species such as sportive lemurs, one of the most species-rich groups of lemurs. The identification of native tree species used by hollow-dwelling lemurs may facilitate targeted management interventions to maintain or improve habitat quality for these lemurs. During an extensive survey of sportive lemurs in northern Madagascar, we identified one tree species, Strychnos madagascariensis (Loganiaceae), the spineless monkey orange tree, as a principal sleeping site of two species of northern sportive lemurs, Lepilemur ankaranensis and L. milanoii (Lepilemuridae). This tree species represented 32.5% (n=1 50) of the 458 sleeping sites recorded. This result suggests that S. madagascariensis may be valuable for the conservation of hollow-dwelling lemurs. RÉSUMÉ De nombreux vertébrés forestiers à travers le monde trouvent refuge dans des cavités et des trous d'arbres. À Madagascar, les taux de déforestation historiques et actuels sont responsables d'une crise environnementale majeure. Dans ce contexte, une disponibilité réduite d'arbres pourvus de cavités pourrait entrainer le déclin des espèces dépendant de ces abris comme par exemple les lépilemurs, un des groupes de lémuriens les plus riches en espèces. L'identification des espèces d'arbres indigènes creusés de trous et utilisés par les lémuriens pourrait faciliter la mise en place d'actions de conservation ayant pour but de maintenir ou améliorer l'habitat de ces lémuriens. Au cours d'une étude réalisée dans le Nord de Madagascar, nous avons observé que Strychnos madagascariensis (Loganiaceae) était fréquemment utilisé comme site dortoir par les deux espèces de lépilemurs présentes, Lepilemur ankaranensis and L. milanoii (Lepilemuridae). Cette espèce d'arbre concernait 32,5% (n = 1 50) des 458 sites dortoirs enregistrés. Ce résultat suggère que S. madagascariensis pourrait être important pour la conservation des lémuriens dépendant de sites dortoirs.
Primate Conservation, 2014
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access t... more BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.
Propithecus perrieri (Perrier's sifaka) is one of the most endangered lemur species due to its sm... more Propithecus perrieri (Perrier's sifaka) is one of the most endangered lemur species due to its small and fragmented distribution range. Despite a Critically Endangered (CR) conservation and flagship species status, there are still many uncertainties regarding its actual distribution and its presence in some forests of its putative distribution range. We report the results of diurnal and nocturnal surveys carried out in 2012 across most forest fragments of its putative distribution range, namely the Ankarana National Park, the Analamerana Special Reserve and Andrafiamena-Andavakoera Protected Area. During our surveys the species was only observed in Andrafiamena and Analamerana protected areas.
The population of the Daraina sportive lemur (Lepilemur milanoii) is believed to be mostly confin... more The population of the Daraina sportive lemur (Lepilemur milanoii) is believed to be mostly confined to the Loky-Manambato region (Louis et al., 2006). Very little is known about L. milanoii and it is classified as "Data Deficient" by the IUCN (IUCN, 2013; Schwitzer et al., 2013). Despite the management of the area by the NGO Fanamby since 2005, no study had been conducted to determine the presence and the abundance of L. milanoii in the main forest fragments of the region. During the 2011 dry season we surveyed the ten main forest fragments of the Loky-Manambato region and estimated L. milanoii densities and population sizes using line transect distance sampling (Buckland, 2001) and the DISTANCE software (Thomas et al., 2010). The results suggest that sportive lemur densities are reasonably high in the region, but with important discrepancies between forest fragments, with densities ranging from 49.8 ind./km² in Antsaharaingy to 590.5 ind./km² in Ampondrabe. For the region Loky-Manambato we were able to estimate a population size of ~52,000 individuals. This is the first estimate for the total population size and we argue that similar studies should be repeated to monitor environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures (hunting, deforestation, mining, etc.).
Endangered Species Research, 2014
Coquerel's sifaka Propithecus coquereli has a large but highly fragmented distribution. Despite i... more Coquerel's sifaka Propithecus coquereli has a large but highly fragmented distribution. Despite its Endangered (EN) IUCN conservation status, uncertainties persist regarding its actual distribution and its presence in forests that are thought to be part of its distribution range. We provide here the first extensive population surveys of Coquerel's sifaka across a large number of forest fragments neighboring 27 sites of its known and expected distribution range in northwestern Madagascar, including 12 previously visited sites. During our diurnal surveys carried out in the dry seasons from 2009 to 2011 we observed the species in 26 of the 27 visited sites. Combining our results with previously published data, we propose a refined update of the species' distribution range and identify areas to be surveyed. We also recorded the support tree species on which sifakas were observed, and note that, surprisingly, P. coquereli was frequently seen around villages and in areas dominated by introduced tree species. Although the species was present at almost all the visited sites of its highly fragmented distribution range, it remains unclear how viable the populations of a significant proportion of these sites actually are. Due to political instability and high rates of deforestation, large-scale conservation actions are urgently needed. We thus (1) discuss the outline of a possible metapopulation conservation action plan for P. coquereli and (2) identify priority sites and actions.
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Papers by Emmanuel Rasolondraibe