Nutrition and behavior of lemurs

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2009 May;12(2):339-48, x-i. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2009.01.011.

Abstract

Attention to nutritional and behavioral factors is important for appropriate care of lemurs in captivity. Although only a few species are commonly held in captivity, differences between them are important. Knowledge of feeding ecology and natural diet guide nutrition guidelines, as well as management and prevention of common nutrition-related disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and iron-storage disease. Behavioral characteristics that influence captive management are related to social organization, reproductive behavior, territoriality, and infant care. Housing animals in appropriate social groupings in adequately complex environments reduces abnormal behaviors, and addition of enrichment activities and operant conditioning encourages normal behaviors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Zoo
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Lemur / physiology*
  • Male
  • Nutritional Requirements*
  • Species Specificity