Reproduction and behaviour of the lesser mouse lemur (microcebus murinus, Miller 1777) in captivity.

Abstract

A detailed knowledge of the behaviour and reproduction of any \nexotic species of mammal plays an important role in the successful \nmaintenance and breeding of that species in captivity. Data from \nthe field are particularly important in evaluating results in \ncaptivity. Where complete field data are not available, problems \narising in captivity can only be assessed by taking successfully \nbreeding individuals as the norm and using them as a guideline \nwhen studying reproductive problems. \nThis study has been designed to establish the reproductive \nparameters of the lesser mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus, using \ndata from the field and successfully breeding individuals to this \nend. Aberrations arising in captivity were examined and an attempt \nwas made to identify their causes. \nDuring the course of this study data have been collected on \nthe annual variations of behavioural and physiological parameters. \nInformation on male and female reproductive physiology has been \ncollected and hormone assays have been conducted on urine samples \nfrom oestrous, pregnant and non-pregnant females. Data on infant \nbirth-weight and development have also been recorded. Special \nattention has been paid to reproductive behaviour, particularly \nbirth and maternal care. In addition, a study has been made of \nsocial behaviour and communication. The relationship between \nsocial behaviour, status and reproductive success has been \nexamined. \nHaving established the "normal" condition it was possible to \nexamine deviations from this norm. Under certain circumstances \nenvironmental stimulation was observed to either stimulate or \nsuppress reproduction. Suppression of reproduction is discussed \nin the light of physical and social environmental influences. \nData on pathology have also been collected and adrenal weight \nand histology recorded. An attempt has been made to integrate post-mortem findings with observations on reproduction and \nbehaviour. \nThe normative data collected in this study are discussed in \nterms of their adaptive significance and the deviations from the \nnormal condition are viewed in terms of stress. An attempt is \nthen made to indicate the positive influence which this and similar \nstudies could have on captive animal management.

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