White-collared brown lemur  (Eulemur albocollaris)

This medium-sized lemur has a horizontal posture, which is suited to its predominantly quadrupedal mode of movement (2). These lemurs are also capable of leaping considerable distances, their long furry tails assisting them in maintaining their balance (5). Although very similar in appearance to the collared brown lemur or red-collared lemur (Eulemur collaris), genetic analysis supports distinct species status (6). Males possess grey-brown upperparts, with darker lower limbs and tail, paler grey underparts, grey head and face and a darker crown. Females have redder-brown upperparts, paler underparts and darker feet than males. The cheeks and beard are white, bushy and pronounced in males, but reddish-brown and less bushy in females. The white-collared brown lemur earns its common name for the white cheeks of the male, which differ from the cream to brownish-orange cheeks of the collared brown lemur (2).

This species is believed to have the most restricted range of any species of the genus, occurring only in south-eastern Madagascar in the thin band of rainforest from just north of the Manampatra River south to the Mananara River (6).

Lowland and mid-altitude eastern rainforest (2). White-collared brown lemurs are arboreal and spend most of their time in the upper layers of the forest (5).

White-collared brown lemurs usually live in relatively large multimale-multifemale groups (6). Little research has been conducted into the reproductive biology of this species, but it is likely to be similar to that of other brown lemurs, which breed seasonally with mating occurring between June and July. The gestation period of brown lemurs is approximately 120 days, with infants born between September and November (5). A single offspring is usual, although twins have been reported (2). Sexual maturity is reached at between one and two years, and the lifespan in the wild is thought to range between 20 and 25 years (2) (5).

This species is cathemeral, meaning it is active at varying times throughout the day and night, and feeds predominantly on fruit, supplementing its diet with leaves, flowers and fungi (6).

Habitat destruction remains the primary threat to the species, largely as a result of the explosive growth in the human population on Madagascar (5). In some areas, hunting has also been reported (2). These threats, coupled with the lemur's very limited range, give cause for considerable concern (2). Thus, the white-collared brown lemur is listed as one of the world's 25 most endangered primates (6).

Currently, this lemur is found in three protected areas, Manombo Special Reserve, Midongy du Sud National Park and the Andringitra National Park, although there is further concern here, as the Andringitra population hybridizes with Eulemur rufus (6) (7). Recent surveys have also identified populations in unprotected forests, such as Vevembe, that could be added to existing parks and reserves (6). However, the white-collared brown lemur currently remains Critically Endangered, and its fate will most probably be determined by the future of its diminishing forest habitat, which needs to be better preserved if extinction of this animal is to be prevented.

For further information on the white-collared brown lemur see:

Garbutt, N. (1999) Mammals of Madagascar. Pica Press, Sussex.

Mittermeier, R.A., Tattersall, I., Konstant, W.R., Meyers, D.M., and Mast, R.B. (1994) Lemurs of Madagascar. Conservation International, Washington, D.C.

Primates in Peril: The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates 2004 – 2006:
http://portals.conservation.org/downloads/storedfile/Document/top252004final.pdf

Authenticated (10/04/2006) by Matt Richardson, independent primatologist and writer.