PS 1-1 - Analysis of Lepilemur edwardsi seasonal acoustic activity

Abstract: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has been used historically as a noninvasive technique to study biodiversity, activity patterns, distribution, and dispersal of species. The use of acoustic data has expanded in ecological research; however, studies focusing on primates are underrepresented, especially for nocturnal species. Our study seeks to increase our 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, we were interested in describing the daily and annual acoustic activity patterns of the L. edwardsi. We conducted a PAM survey using Audimoth recorders in the Mariarano Forest and recorded one minute per hour for a year at 20 sites. From these recordings, we obtained L. edwardsi presence and absence data using semi-automated analysis tools from ARBIMON (Rainforest Connection). Our results show increased activity during mating (May to June) and gestation months (July to October). In addition, L. edwardsi acoustic activity was only detected during nocturnal hours (6 pm to 5 am), as expected from a nocturnal species. These results suggest that acoustic communication is important in the L. edwardsi mating cycle. Our study demonstrates the great potential of PAM in monitoring endangered and elusive species.