Changes in behavior in free-ranging Lemur catta following release in a natural habitat

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.