Propithecus tattersalli
golden-crowned sifaka

Propithecus tattersalli lives in the extreme northeastern regions of Madagascar. This species inhabits limited forest patches between the Loky and Monambato Rivers.

Propithecus tattersalli lives in dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forest fragments. These sifakas like to sleep in tall, emergent trees.

Propithecus tattersalli has short, mostly white fur, prominent tuffed ears, and a golden-orange crown. The face is black with small whitish hairs. The lower four incisors form a structure called a tooth comb, which is used grooming. On average, these sifakas are the size of a small dog, with a body length of approximately 48 cm and a tail length of approximately 39 cm. They weigh an average of 3 kg. The leg-to-arm-length ratio is high, which is an adaptation to vertical clinging and leaping.

Although the mating system of P. tattersali has not been described, another member of the genus, Propithecus verreauxi, is reported to mate polygynously. It is likely that this species is similar.

Propithecus tattersali mates seasonally, usually in late January through March. The females in any given group enter estrus only once during the year, and are in estrus for a relatively short time. The gestation period for this species is approximately 130 to 165 days, after which a single infant, weighing about 40 grams, is born. Infants are weaned at 5 to 6 months and reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years old.

Soon after it is born, the infant clings to the mother's belly, shifting only to nurse. After 3 weeks the infant begins to ride on the mother's back "jockey style" as well as taking its first independent steps. Young are nursed for 5 or 6 months. Age of independence is not reported in the literature reviewed here, however, such is likely to occur before these animals become reproductively mature at the age of 2 to 3 years.

Females provide their young with nutrition, grooming, transportation, and socialization. The role of males in parental care is not known.

Longevity in these animals has not been reported. However, in P. verreauxi, captive individuals may live longer than 23 years. It is likely that P. tatersalli is similar.

Golden-crowned sifakas are social animals, living in groups ranging in size from 2 to 13 individuals. These groups usually contain 2 adults of each sex and several offspring. The females are dominant in the groups and are given preferential access to food and mate choice.

Golden-crowned sifakas live in peaceful groups. Individuals keep in sight of each other and engage in activities such as playing, infant caretaking, and grooming. They are diurnal, but during the rainy season they are active before dawn and after dark.

Territoriality plays a big part in the life of golden-crowned sifakas. Groups have a home range of approximately 22 to 30 acres. Males use scent glands, located on the front of the throat, and urine to mark their territory. Females also mark territory with glands found around the anus. When two troops meet, the males may engage in growling, scent marking, and ritualistic leaping toward the enemy, but these confrontations are not directly physical.

Golden-crowned sifakas are very vocal, emitting a range of sounds. They bark at aerial predators, emit a resonant bark for long distance communication, and make the sound "sifaka" for intruders on the ground. Propithecus tattersalli have a distinct repertoire of 5 to 6 calls.

Territoriality plays a big part in the life of golden-crowned sifakas. Groups have a home range of approximately 22 to 30 acres.

As in all primates, communication in P. tatersalli is varied and complex. In addition to vocalizations, these animals use scent marks and body postures in their communication. Tactile communication includes grooming, playing, and mating.

Golden-crowned sifakas are vegetarian. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, unripe fruit, young and mature leaves and flowers, and occasionally bark.

Although predation on these animals has not been reported, likely predators include fossas and various raptors. It is probably that this species is preyed upon by avian predators, as it has a specific alarm call for such creatures.

Because they are frugivorous, it is likely that these primates help to disperse some seeds. To the extent that they are important as prey items, they may also influence local food webs.

Golden-crowned sifakas have been hunted for bushmeat. In addition, the primate fauna of Madagascar draws ecotourists to the island, and these animals may contribute to this lure.

There are no known adverse effects of P. tattersalli on humans.

Propithecus tattersalli is probaly one of the most endangered lemurs on Madagascar, with numbers dwindling to less than 8,000 individuals. This species has one of the smallest ranges and documented populations size of any lemur. Their precious habitat to many pressures such as slash-and-burn agriculture, commercial logging, charcoal production, fires to stimulate growth of pastures, overgrazing by domestic livestock, and recently discovered gold which has led to mining in the heart of their small range.

Golden-crowned sifakas do not inhabit any of the protected areas of Madagascar.