Abstract

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has historically been used as a noninvasive technique to study biodiversity, activity patterns, distribution, and species dispersal. The use of acoustic data has expanded in ecological research; however, studies focusing on primates are underrepresented, especially for nocturnal species. This study seeks to increase the understanding of acoustic activity in the nocturnal Milne-Edwards' sportive lemur (Lepilemur edwardsi). This species is endangered and endemic to the lowland dry forests in northwest Madagascar. Specifically, this study aims to describe the daily and annual acoustic activity patterns of the L. edwardsi. The PAM survey was conducted using AudioMoth recorders in the Mariarano Forest at 20 sites, with a recording being taken one minute every hour for a year. L. edwardsi presence and absence data were obtained from the recordings by using semi-automated analysis tools from ARBIMON (Rainforest Connection®). The results show that the parametric coefficients, Month and Hour, have an effect on the vocal activity of L. edwardsi with the various locations of the sites being taken into account. The probability of recording a L. edwardsi presence increases as the year progresses. Conversely, the probability of a L. edwardsi presence being recorded increases as the night progresses until midnight and decreases until the early morning hours. These results suggest that acoustic communication is important in L. edwardsi offspring rearing and parental investment. In addition, this study demonstrates the great potential of PAM in monitoring endangered and elusive species.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Summer

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Bohlen, Patrick

Co-Chair

Otero Jiménez, Beatriz

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Biology

Degree Program

Zoology; Pre-Veterinarian Science

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

8-15-2023

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