FIELD STUDIES OF POPULATION-GENETICS IN EULEMUR - A DISCUSSION OF THEIR POTENTIAL IMPORTANCE IN CONSERVATION

Wild populations of Eulemur macaco are substructured into small social groups or subpopulations in which the genetic variability can vary sh arply as a consequence of the effects of evolutionary forces. Therefor e, population genetic analysis of wild groups should be considered as the first step toward an optimal breeding programme. Examples of popul ation structure and genetics are given for E. macaco populations of No sy Be, Nosy Komba and Ambato (Yeti, Madagascar). The data show (1) a d ifferent degree of genetic variation between populations of the two is lands (Nosy Be, Nosy Komba) and the mainland area of Ambato, (2) a clo ser genetic relatedness between E. macaco populations of Nosy Komba an d Ambato (Yeti) and (3) different ecological conditions on Nosy Be in comparison with Nosy Komba and Ambato.