Reproductive Senescence in Two Lemur Lineages

The relationship between age and reproductive performance is highly variable across species. Humans some cetaceans exhibit an extreme form of senescence in that female reproduction ceases years or even decades before average life expectancy reached. However, neither the existence taxa nor its absence others fully understood. Comparative data from other long-lived mammals may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding evolution menopause, but wild primates, particular, are scarce. We therefore investigated age-related two sympatric populations Malagasy primates: Verreaux’s sifakas ( Propithecus verreauxi ) redfronted lemurs Eulemur rufifrons ), which have maximal longevity than 20 years. Based on 25 long-term demographic data, we extracted information output 38 42 lemurs. modeled variation interbirth intervals as function age, number adult females within group account for competition, rainfall proxy annual food availability. also compared our results these species with captive same genera buffered fluctuations environmental variables. Our analyses disclosed statistical evidence three out four (captive Coquerel’s sifakas, lemurs, red lemurs) not sifakas. Compared populations, was less pronounced animals, though latter adversities. In mothers were likely give birth rainfall, co-resident females, did predict probability giving Thus, study contributes valuable comparative basal offers insights into modulating effects environmental, social phylogenetic factors patterns dynamics age-specific reproduction.