Feeding Strategies of Five Nocturnal Prosimians in the Dry Forest of the West Coast of Madagascar

Annual variations in food production and composition in the forest of the west coast of Madagascar are presented in relation to different feeding strategies of five sympatric species of nocturnal prosimians. These strategies involve combination of physiological and behavioral characteristics, which have been analyzed in the laboratory, and are presented in separate chapters in this volume. In Cheirogaleus medius and, to a lesser extent, in Microcebus murinus, the annual cycle of activity and lethargy plays a major role in the adaptation to variations in food availability. Nevertheless, seasonal variations in the patterns of food choices are a necessary complement to cope with overall changes in composition of the forest resources. In Microcebus coquereli and Phaner jurcijer, behavioral specializations on insect secretions and plant exudates, which are the basis of their respective diets, are also complemented by additional cycles involving physiological variations. The most folivorous species, Lepilemur ruficaudatus, is also subject to variations in physiological/behavioral patterns, following the environmental changes in climate and plant production.