Status

Observed for the first time in 1974, the Golden-crowned Sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli) was rightly described only in 1988.
This species is one of the most endangered primates and is considered one the three most threatened lemur species.
Its distribution is restricted to small forested fragments in the north-eastern part of Madagascar and located around the city of Daraina. None of these fragments is presently within a protected area.

The previous few field studies on this species have exclusively focused on the three largest forest patches of this area.

A new field study was conducted in July and August 2000 by Astrid Vargas and Ignacio Jimenez Pérez and was partly supported by CEPA.

Objectives

• To determine the species' actual ditribution by identifying the forest fragments where Propithecus tattersalli is to be found,

• To determine the actual abundance of this Sifaka by carrying out a new census, using the previous existing data,

• To correlate the presence/absence of this lemur with the fragmentation patterns : size, isolation, connection with other fragments...,

• To highlight the threats on P. tattersalli and the need to protect the remnant forest patches,

• To provide the Malagasy students with a training on various field studies.

Results :

• The species distribution appears to be located between the Loky and Manambato rivers, excluding a subpopulation living in a small forest cluster on the other side of the Loky river.

• Within its range, the species is abundant and can be also observed in small forest patches and in sparsely forested riparian areas but does not seem to occur at elevation above 700 m. Total population is estimated from 6200 to 10000 individuals.

• Among the different forested areas, the Sifaka shows a preference toward large forested patches, nearby and connected to other smaller forested areas. In fact, although this lemur appears fairly resilient to forest fragmentation, large areas (>1000 ha) seem essential to ensure its long-term survival.

• The threats to the species are poaching and habitat destruction due to slash and burn agriculture, uncontrolled grass fire, logging and gold-mining.

Conclusion :

To ensure an effective long-term conservation of the Golden- crowned Sifaka, the creation of protected areas within the Loky-Manambato region, including medium to large sized forested patches, is recommanded. They could be managed following several "conservation gradients" depending on their importance for the species.
Finally, the implementation of a flagship species program focusing on the Golden-crowned Sifaka is recommanded for setting up a regional conservation and natural resources management plan.

Implementation : CEPA, coordinators : Astrid Vargas et Ignacio Jimenez Pérez.