Genetic comparison between different populations of Eulemur macaco flavifrons in northwest Madagascar using RAPD markers

Eulemur macaco flavifrons, the Sclater's black lemur, is a critically endan gered subspecies of northwest Madagascar, which is not yet protected by any reserve. In order to study the feasibility of creating such a reserve, an area of outstanding biological importance was selected in the region of Mar omandia-Sahamalaza, which is probably the only remaining place which would permit the long-term survival of the Sclater's black lemur. To determine if genetic management is needed for the Sahamalaza black lemur population, it s genetic variability was estimated with random amplified polymorphic DNA ( RAPD) markers and compared with other populations. These comparisons demons trate that the Sahamalaza black lemurs have a genetic variability equivalen t to those in other areas. Thus, we conclude that no genetic management is required at the present time. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.