title: New distributional records and conservation implications for the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur Prolemur simus.
abstract: To improve our knowledge of the distribution of the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur Prolemur simus, we surveyed 6 sites in eastern Madagascar. We found its characteristic feeding signs at 5 sites and made a direct sighting at one of these. One site represents a northern extension of 45 km of the known extant range of the species. Two sites are located in a forest corridor approximately halfway between the previously known southern and northern populations, therefore suggesting a broadly continuous distribution of the species within its range rather than the previously suspected distribution of two distinct populations separated by a distance of over 200 km. Our results illustrate the benefit of species-focussed surveys in determining the true distribution of endangered species, a realistic measure which is necessary in order to assess their current status and to prioritise long-term conservation interventions.
authors.affiliation: The Aspinall Foundation, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
authors.forename: Laingoniaina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rakotonirina
authors.forename: Andry
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rajaonson
authors.forename: Tianasoa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ratolojanahary
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rafalimandimby
authors.forename: Prosper
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fanomezantsoa
authors.forename: Bellarmin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ramahefasoa
authors.forename: Tovonanahary
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rasolofoharivelo
authors.forename: Maholy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ravaloharimanitra
authors.forename: Jonah
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ratsimbazafy
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dolch
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D056727:Endangered Species; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D007901:Lemuridae / Q000502:physiology*; D008270:Madagascar; D011156:Population Density