Implications of lemuriform extinctions for the Malagasy flora Article Swipe
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· 2016
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1523825113
· OA: W2341258035
Significance Madagascar is a conservation priority because of its unique and threatened biodiversity. Lemurs, by acting as seed dispersers, are essential to maintaining healthy and diverse forests on the island. However, in the past few thousand years, at least 17 lemur species, many of which were inferred seed dispersers, have gone extinct. We outline the substantial impact that these extinctions have likely had on Malagasy forests by comparing the gape sizes and diets of living and extinct lemurs to identify large-seeded Malagasy plants that appear to be without extant animal dispersers. Additionally, we identify living lemurs that are endangered yet occupy unique and essential dispersal niches. This information can inform conservation initiatives targeting the protection and restoration of these vulnerable ecosystems.
