The adjustment of captive-reared and developmentally deprived ringtailed le
murs (Lemur catta) to supported release on St. Catherine's Island, Georgia,
was studied over 7 years to examine if these animals developed behavior co
mparable to wild populations. Initial changes after release included decrea
sed obesity and increased agility as well as foraging for appropriate novel
plants. Ranging, daily behavior cycles, and vocalizations developed more s
lowly over 1-3 years, but eventually the behavior resembled that of wild gr
oups. Group composition and social structure changed through conflict to re
semble wild and captive troops in social organization, including the emerge
nce of matrilineal dominance and male emigration. Since behavior eventually
resembled that seen in the wild, some resilience of species-typical wild b
ehavior in captivity is supported. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.