Abstract
There are 107 extant species of lemurs, which are largely endemic to Madagascar, with only two species found in the Union of the Comoros in East Africa. According to the IUCN Red List, lemurs are one of the most critically endangered mammals on the planet, with 103 species currently threatened with extinction. There are significant gaps in our understanding of lemur biology, distribution, and ecology, and multiple zoological facilities currently house lemurs as part of Species Survival Plan Programs. Lemurs differ from other primates in many ways, including behavior, requiring strategic monitoring and management efforts. In managed care, it is important for zookeepers to be able to identify and record lemur behaviors to establish a baseline for the continued and improved care of their resident animals. During this study, I interviewed two lemur keepers using the TAG Species Manual Questionnaire, as well as additional questions geared towards better understanding the variety and function of lemur behaviors. These interviews were then supplemented by in situ observations of the lemurs housed at the Jacksonville Zoo, cataloguing noted behaviors by relevant context, all of which became the building blocks in the development of a comprehensive behavioral ethogram. I then conducted a thorough literature review of lemur behavior and the variety of ethograms utilized in studies of primates and other terrestrial animals, comparing the styles, research applications, and language. All of this information was utilized to develop a detailed ethogram, including various behaviors and operational definitions, organized by broad behavioral states as follows: position, vigilance, biological, rest, locomotion, feeding, social (affiliative and agonistic), stereotypical, and sexual. In total, 84 behaviors were identified and described in detail. Though the ethogram I developed is ideal for a focal scan sampling model, it can be adapted to address specific research needs and questions (e.g., all occurrence and duration). As such, the Jacksonville Zoo, or any organization looking to better understand and document lemur behavior, can utilize this ethogram to not only assess and monitor their resident animals but to evaluate a plethora of ongoing and emergent research needs, including but not limited to new species monitoring, animal introductions, mixed species populations, species specific behaviors, dietary and enrichment needs and preferences, and reproduction. The ultimate goal of this work was to contribute to the improved monitoring, care, and welfare of the lemurs at the Jacksonville Zoo.