A ten-year summary of reproductive parameters for ring-tailed lemurs at Berenty, Madagascar

From 1989 to 1998, 204 live births were recorded for ring-tailed lemurs (Le mur catta) at Berenty, Madagascar. Excluding unknown birth dates, the peak month of birth was September, with 82.0% (146/178) occurring during this pe riod. The offspring sex ratio (1:1.19) was not significantly different from 1:1, and there was no association with the mother's age. The first births occurred at the ages of 2 to 4 yr. The annual birth rate was very low at th e ago of 2 yl (11.1%), but increased thereafter: to 50.0% at the age of 3 y r, and to 75-85% at the age of 4 or more years. Multiple births were very r are, since only three sets of twins and one set of triplets were recorded. As for the interbirth interval, a one-year interval was the most common (92 .2%). Infant mortality within the first year was 37.7% (77/204). Neonatal m ortality within the first month accounted for 31.2% of all infant deaths.