Report
from the Field: Betampona Reserve
November 2001
The third release group is continuing to thrive in the absence of
supplemental feeding. The group have become less rigidly cohesive
and towards the end of the month interaction with the wild male,
Rahona, was observed. Sarph was located on several occasions, ranging
more widely in the Vohitsivalana area. November was the driest month
recorded since the project began. Both Sarph and Fara were located
on 4 occasions and seem to be in good condition. Sarph was observed
with the female, Ando, and the young male, Ravaly. Fara was only
observed alone, but the male, Rahona, was heard calling nearby.
A
further four nights of nocturnal survey work were carried out
this month. Highlights included observations of Avahi laniger
carrying an infant, and a new frog species Mantidactylus aglavei.
Through interviews with villagers, the undergraduate student from
the University of Antananarivo, Randria discovered that around
300 plant species are used locally as medicinal plants. Of these
roughly 50% grow only in primary forest, i.e. only within the
reserve!
Throughout
the month the third release group exchanged numerous calls daily
with the wild male, Rahona, and Zuben'Ubi & Praesepe's daughter,
Fara. It is estimated that they were often within 200m of each
other. Finally, on 27 November, Rahona was observed resting with
the group. They performed a roar/shriek chorus together. The young
males seemed unconcerned by Rahona's presence, but Hale cuffed
him when he approached too close, causing him to depart. On the
same day Masoandro separated from the rest of the group and was
observed with an unknown wild Varecia. Hale was observed
chasing a group of E. f. albifrons from a fruiting Ompa
(Eugenia sp.) tree on 6 November. Tany was observed feeding
on Ompa (Eugenia sp.) fruit in the company of 3 Propithecus
d. diadema on 10 November. Tany was observed chasing a group of
E. f. albifrons on the 14th, and later hiding in a liana tangle
from a Cuckoo Roller (Leptosomus discolor) which was calling
noisily overhead. Kintana was observed emitting a series of pulsed
squawks in response to a noisy flock of Greater Vasa Parrots (Coracopsis
vasa) flying overhead on the 22nd.
All
is well with the remaining releasees at present. This is the time
of year when Varecia begin to increase their ranging, and
already this has resulted in contact between the third release
group and wild individuals. It will be interesting to observe
the results of this in the coming months.
Adam Britt, 1 December 2001
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