Influence of group size on reproductive success of female ring-tailed lemurs: distinguishing between IGFC and PFC hypotheses.
Based on data obtained over a period of 11 years from female ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), we analyzed the correlation between group size and female reproductive parameters. The birth rate and mean number of surviving infants 1 year after birth per adult female generated an inverted U-shaped curve when plotted against group size (although not significant) and number of adult female members. Infant mortality rate did not have a consistent correlation with group size and number of adult female members. Thus, our findings were similar to the predictions of Wrangham's inter-group feeding competition hypothesis.
Takahata
Yukio
Y
School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University, 2-1 Gakuen, Sanda, Japan. z96014@ksc.kwansei.ac.jp
Koyama
Naoki
N
Ichino
Shinichiro
S
Miyamoto
Naomi
N
Nakamichi
Masayuki
M
D000818:Animals; D001723:Birth Rate; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D005260:Female; D007900:Lemur / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011156:Population Density; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*