A New Interpretation of the Social Organization and Mating System of the Ringtaled Lemur (Lemur Catta)

Abstract

Long-term and intensive studies of identified individuals have enabled us to reexamine the social structure and organization of Lemur catta. Ringtailed lemurs have highly overlapping home ranges which vary in size depending upon season and habitat, and should not be considered strictly territorial. This species lives in female-resident, multimale groups centered around one dominant female who appears to be the focal point of other group members. Groups average around 13 individuals (range: 5–27) with generally equal adult sex ratios. Upon reaching adulthood, all males emigrate from their natal group and older males transfer between groups at an average of every 3–5 years, though some males have remained in the same group for at least 6 years. Males within a group can be differentiated based on natality, social status, and relationships with females. In groups intensively studied, a single, non-natal “central” male has been identified. Such males interact with females at greater rates, and are the first to mate. Females exhibit mate choice, rejecting closely related males, and actively mating with non-troop males, which results in a number of male mating strategies.