Contrasting Nutritional Intakes in Sympatric Malagasy Lemurs: Re‐Examining Frugivore and Folivore Strategies and Outcomes Using the “Efficiency‐Velocity” Continuum and Use of Secondary Foods

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Abstract
Objectives: Primatologists have documented diversity in diet types (frugivore, folivore, etc.) and nutritional differences among those foods, but little is known about intakes (incorporating food compositions and intake amounts). Therefore, how nutritional outcomes and constraints differ across diet types remains poorly understood. We documented diet and nutrient intakes in sympatric lemurs across > 1 year at Tsinjoarivo‐Ambalaomby, Madagascar: Propithecus diadema (folivore) and Eulemur fulvus (frugivore). Materials and Methods: We combined focal animal feeding data with lab analyses to generate daily intakes of food, energy, and nutrients, testing for species and seasonal differences using linear mixed models, and visualizing data using nutritional geometry. Results: E. fulvus consumed 2.7 times more food than P. diadema , accomplished largely through fast intake. E. fulvus had higher energy and nutrient intake; this included three times more protein and higher proportional contribution of protein, despite lower protein in fruit (accomplished by eating more, and supplementing with high‐protein leaves). Lean season response diverged: E. fulvus increased feeding and had similar non‐protein energy but higher protein intakes, while P. diadema decreased effort and tolerated reduced protein and non‐protein energy intakes. Discussion: General fruit‐leaf nutritional differences do not drive nutrient intakes; instead, the “efficiency‐velocity continuum” (frugivores eating more and digesting less fully) is key to understanding frugivore and folivore ecology, including nutrient intakes, food selection rules, and factors limiting abundance. Primate frugivores may not be as protein‐limited as previously assumed. However, future research must examine how absorption rates (across species, habitats, and seasons) affect actual nutrient intakes and energy/nutrient balance.
Funding Information
  • National Geographic Society (9933‐16)
  • Eppley Foundation for Research
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Primate Conservation
  • Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation

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