Lets Celebrate Lemur's On World Lemur Day!

Today you may be more concerned with running into a Zombie or how you are going to make that sheet look like a ghost costume. What you may not be aware of is that today is also World Lemur Day. If you are reading this and thinking "what the hell is a Lemur" well fear not, because one of my friends has decided to write me an entire guest post on...... yes you guessed it Lemurs; enjoy!

The Lemurs, by Sharon White.

Out of all the primate's the Lemur's are the most diverse. Anyone who watched the BBC's “Madagascar” would've been enthralled with the footage showing off the primates that are only found on the island. With nearly 100 known species that live in all areas and all habitats of Madagascar, Lemur's have a lot of weird and wonderful physical and behavioural adaptations. Some of the species are nocturnal, active only in the daylight or both. Their diet ranges from fruits, leaves and bamboo to nectar and insects. Their physical sizes range from the smallest of primate species' Mouse Lemurs being a tiny 1oz, to the Indri at about18lb's. Social behaviours range from solitary lifestyles, monogamous pairs and large, complex social groups. Throughout the Lemur's, female dominance is typical and is found in very few other primate species and even rarer throughout mammals.

Gray Mouse Lemur

Indri Lemur

Here's some examples of the weirdness between different Lemur species:

• Mouse, Dwarf and Fork-marked Lemurs are known for having seasonal periods of torpor, like hibernation, especially during the dry season when food supplies decrease. As is common with hibernating species, it's common for individuals to fatten themselves up and these small primates, increase volume in their tails (a fat reserve) before going into seasonal torpor. However, this activity varies even on a population level, some individuals can go into torpor and others will not.

Fork marked/crowned Lemur

• Dwarf Lemurs hold branches and pick objects in between their second and third fingers, which is in contrast to the other Prosimian species and more like their South American cousins.

Fat-Tailed Dwarf Lemur

• Sportive Lemurs are the smallest folivorous primate, which is a rare diet for a nocturnal mammal. The lack of sugars in their diet has meant that Sportive Lemurs have small home-ranges and short travel distances.

Sportive Lemur

• The Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur is unique, amongst all primates, as it is restricted to marshland surrounding Lake Alaotra in eastern Madagascar and live amongst the stands of reeds and papyrus. There are two sub-populations for this species and are thought to swim.

 Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur

There is one species of Lemur, which is my personal favourite, that have blue eyes. The Sclaters Lemur, aslo known as the Blue-Eyed Black Lemur, is the only primate other than humans to be born with blue eyes.

Female Sclaters Lemur

Lemur species are amongst the most endangered species in the world. Six species are on the top 25 most endangered primates in the world. Those species include the Red Ruffed Lemur, Blue-Eyed Black Lemur, Northern Sportive Lemur, Silky Sifaka, Madame Berthes Mouse Lemur and the Indri. All these species are very different in their shape, size, diet and habitat, but all populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting, amongst other things. 

Silky Sifaka

Despite, the small amount of information provided here, you can see how amazing these primates are and how we really need to help protect them for future generations! To learn more about how you can help the Lemurs check out the Duke Lemur Center.

Ring Tailed Lemur

About the author: 

Sharon White is passionate about primates and wildlife in general, but she simply adores Lemurs. Sharon spends her time wither working as a photographer or with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, passing on her passion for the natural world.

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Disclaimer:

"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."

Picture Sources:

Gray Mouse Lemur - http://www.phocus.org/images/animals/mammals/primates/lemurs/mmu-juv-lge-0213.jpg

Indri Lemur - http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/02/01/indri-lemur_wide-fcf5751b5d196f15456503c6c6bdc6cf7f98a974.jpg

Fork-marked/crowned Lemur - http://naturefiles.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/1112434235_2010_10_madagascar2_239.jpg

Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur - http://dharing.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v6/p674106315-3.jpg

Sportive Lemur - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Lepilemur_edwardsi.jpg

Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWZCkFm1gFG2VBiQ7JWk2u1YqUc70o8kBMeeGrBYZRlXVJXj1p-RG9tmopdWo63EgVCOtS-YwhMb6tr0-qxDdkLhsqTvt853fxwkYG__VM0lxuP6hsOOaSlWBoYpneUm_GA4n-aG9guq5/s640/lemur+22.jpg

Female Sclaters Lemur - http://farm9.static.flickr.com/8078/8291308573_5ec41214fe.jpg

Silky Sifaka - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhEr3CBVs-AQmP26KzDQgwsIxWmMF7zVKg6Vw-0dv8nMa4bLC0SFZ_V6tFciTdiWXrcudTNojIgu0j_MB9Ln6v9_n2JTky4xpqruDxPDUl-EBWPKk-OgDvQFayN-PDmG8B4MGCz3T-SM/s1600/CD5294-02.jpg

Ring-Tailed Lemur - http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/ring-tailed-lemur-lemur-catta-portrait-pete-oxford.jpg

If you see a gorilla, RUN!

Yesterday I took part in the 11th Great Gorilla Run (GGR), an 8km fun run through the heart of London to raise money for The Gorilla Organization. Over 500 people had registered and I was very excited at the prospect of being part of this amazing charity event.

Pre-Run
I signed up for the GGR back in late August one week before returning from Kenya, which only gave me five weeks to get my act together and train for it. The reason I had signed up was that only a month before I had actually visited the gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda. Seeing them first hand was not only a dream come true, but also made me realise how much work is to be done to ensure their survival for the future. You can read about my gorilla experience below:

Meeting the gorillas part 1 click here                                        
Meeting the gorillas part 2 click here

After arriving back in England I began doing some runs wherever I could and I felt good about my fitness levels; then the gorilla suit arrived. Of course 8km on a relatively flat level doesn't perhaps sound that challenging, but when you add a heavy, furry, unbreathable, thick gorilla suit it starts to look a bit more daunting. When trying it on for the first time you soon realise why people have commented on this so called "fun run" being more difficult than a half marathon. There is no where for your body heat to go and so you very quickly get sweaty and hot; this is going to be interesting.

Trying the suit on for the first time

Gorilla training

Gorilla training

The Big Day
So four weeks had flown by and all of a sudden the big day was here. I arrived in central London (right by the Gherkin) at around 9.30am and there were already hundreds of gorillas warming up. It was a very strange setting (like a budget Planet of the Apes film) and the different costumes that were appearing were fantastic. There was everything from just plain old gorilla to Darth Vadar, Lifeguards, Bikinis, Angels and Devils, big bananas, multi-coloured and everything in between; including a guy dressed as a gorilla carrying a human in a cage.

Source - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/hundreds-gorillas-take-streets-london-4292350 

Got to love a storm trooper gorilla

Oh I say, the posh gorillas

Source - http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/gallery/hundreds-gorillas-take-streets-london-4292350

Of course what is a gorilla run without Darth Gorilla

My personal favourite and he did attract a lot of attention

I was now feeling pumped so I dressed up in my gorilla suit with my GGR t-shirt over the top and running number attached (338 is me). Then I headed to the starting point where I met Ian Redmond (chairman of the Gorilla Organization), this was a huge moment for me as Ian has been a hero of mine for many years. His work with gorillas, elephants and conservation is amazing and has created real change around the world. He was dressed in his traditional khaki shorts, shirt and sandals and I just had to get a photo.

Getting dressed for the occasion

Is it hot in here or is it just me

How do I look?

Finally got to meet the amazing Ian Redmond

Then at around 10.30am we all gathered at the starting point and had some inspiration words (and spoon bending) from Uri Geller as well as the Patron of the GGR Bill Oddie. He then announced the start of the race, but was still in front of all the gorillas when we started; luckily he moved quickly out of the way and we were OFF!

Getting ready to go

Quick photos with celebrities before setting off

Bill Oddie saying Ready, Steady, GO!

Bill Oddie quickly realising he was in the wrong place

The crowd was cheering and everyone was having a good time making gorilla noises (some were very questionable) and getting into the spirit of the run. I quickly realised two things, 1. You can not see a thing out of the mask and 2. It got very hot inside the suit and mask very quickly. However, with the random waving tourists we were running past, car hooting and the sights of London around us I put that behind me and got on with the run. We went round the Tower of London where I saw all the poppies that had been laid out in the grounds, we then went underground before popping up further down and going over tower bridge to run along the south bank. There were a lot of people taking photos and also wondering what the hell was going on; I overheard one woman say "that is what I love about London, always something going on".

There I go, on the left 338

So many funny costumes

It had seemed like I was running for ages and then a marshal (who were all fantastic) mentioned that this is the halfway point. The random people constantly cheering me on (in many languages) did keep me going and it was raising awareness, which is always good. With the last km in sight I was really feeling tired and it didn't help going past the back of a big building that was pumping out heat. Then a marshal told me we were approaching the finishing straight and that last 500 meters was the hardest part of the race. As I turned round the corner and saw the finish I picked up the pace, put my hands in the air, the crowd roared, the announcer read out my number and name and Uri Geller put a medal around my neck. I was exhausted and extremely hot and sweaty, but grabbed a photo with Bill Oddie, another one with Ian Redmond and got the gorilla suit off as quickly as humanly possible.

At the end with Bill Oddie, clock reading 49 minutes

Post race photo with Ian Redmond

Taking the suit off was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done

They gave us a goody bag containing a banana, coconut water and regular water, which was just what I needed. Luckily it was a cool, cloudy day and I started recovering quickly, it was amazing to watch all the different gorillas finishing. The atmosphere and environment was just fun, with drummers playing, music blaring and everyone just having a good time. I finished in 49 minutes and from the looks of it was in the top 30 to 40, but it is not a race and that is not what it is about.

A banana, just what the doctor ordered

What a fantastic costume

After about an hour of relaxing we heading into the bar area and had some words of congratulations by Bill Oddie who said "wildlife brings out the worst and the best in humanity and today we have witnessed the latter", Uri Geller "congratulations to everyone you have made a difference", Ian Redmond "gorillas are the gardeners of the forest and we must protect them to protect the forests they live in" and Jillian Miller the Chief Executive announced we had so far (donations accepted till November) raised £65,000 and said "the money you have raised today will go a long way to making sure we continue the fight to save the remaining gorillas in Africa".

Award ceremony with Ian Redmond, Uri Geller, Bill Oddie and Stanley Johnson in the background

Prizes were given out for best dressed male and female, largest group and best training video; notice no prize for first place. This really is a fun run and everyone is encouraged to participate. All in all I had a tremendous day, meeting great people, having fun and participating in an event that makes a real difference.

Donations are still being taken so please give what you can here - https://gorillarun2014.everydayhero.com/uk/if-you-see-a-gorilla-run

Also, if this has inspired you why not sign up to the 12th Great Gorilla Run 2015 here - http://www.greatgorillarun.org/

Don't miss an update and follow me on Facebook - www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist


Disclaimer:
"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."

Run Turtle Run!

Today there is a little more green in the ocean; green turtle that is.

One of our Directors is very involved with the local turtle watch and told me the nest outside Colobus Conservation was almost ready to hatch. 11 days had passed and I was loosing hope that I was going to actually see this amazing natural event; as I leave Kenya in one week. Apparently they were late due to the cold weather and high tides

Well this morning I got the call saying there was disturbance at the nest and that they expected them out any time soon. Usually they hatch at night to increase chances of safely making it to the ocean; but the lateness meant it could happen during the day. On putting the phone down I grabbed my camera and ran for the beach filled with excitement. Thankfully today I was finally going to witness the green turtle hatchlings breaking out of their nest and running for the ocean.

When we got there we saw the marked nest and the path to the ocean had been cleared to give the hatchlings the best possible chance. They have to be careful when marking the nests as local people can dig them out and eat or sell them to tourists. We then waited around for about 45 minutes before we started to see some movement.

The nest ready for action

Everyone was poised for turtles

The first one popped out and then stopped as if to adjust its sight and get its bearings. Then the little guy just ran as fast as a little turtle covered in sand can. All of a sudden another one came out, then another and another and another. By this time the nest was uncovered and tens of green turtle hatchlings were pouring out of this hole. They were all darting for the ocean, but some seemed to take a slightly longer route than others.

The first Green Turtles coming out the sand and making for the ocean

Then a couple more

Then even more

Then the nest just exploded with baby turtles

This guy stopped on reaching the surface, then ran like the wind

There were just so many

Almost at the water little guy

They had a long way to go in baby turtle terms

The first ones started to reach the water (about 20 meters away) within minutes and they were initially pushed back up the beach by the waves. Luckily the wave then swept them out into the big blue ocean, and with just one final bobble on the top they disappeared out of sight forever.

They were moving fast

Caught this guy mid flight

Getting closer, no looking back now

Starting to hit the water

Only to be pushed back by the waves

Guarding them till they hit the water

Shows just how small they are

This little guy waved goodbye to me before disappering

Then they were just shadows

Obviously all this commotion did not go unnoticed and before we knew it passer bys (including Masai) were upon us taking photos. With the increased footfall I started to get worried not only might some of the turtles be trampled on, but they would be scared and not make it to the ocean. Gladly this did not happen, and before we knew it this large beach that just moments earlier had been filled with new life and excitement returned to a quiet, blank surface where you wouldn’t even know this event had occurred.

Everyone wanted to see the turtles start their lives

Important to get a selfie with the turtles

Within a few short minutes tracks was all that was left

OMG did we really just witness that

On returning to the nest Juma (a trained local turtle expert) excavated it to check none of the turtles were trapped. The nest was at least 50cm deep and he had been counting the turtles as they had appeared with the final numbers being 135 survived and 17 died in the nest; some due to crabs others just didn’t hatch. So out of 157 eggs it was a very successful hatching. Apparently only a handful will make it to adulthood as usually a lot will be killed on the way to the ocean (crabs, birds, ants), and through their first year by fish etc. The human factor and lateness of the nest meant all of the emerging hatchlings successfully made it to the water; they are on their own from there.

The successfully hatched shells on the left, dead ones on the right

17 did not make it out the nest

It was without doubt a memorable moment that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

All that was left to do was wonder what they are getting up to under the big blue ocean

Read more about Green Turtles here – http://bit.ly/YnlYQX

See all my photos from Kenya and never miss an update by liking my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/diaryofaprimatologist

Disclaimer:

"The views and opinions expressed in the Diary of a Primatologist blog (except guest posts) are purely my own and are not in any way linked to any organisations I may represent or work with unless otherwise stated. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and a source will be provided where other photos are used. If they are your photos and you would like them removed please just ask. The author retains full copyright for all content and photos and written permission is required before their use. The owner of the site is not liable for any content accessed through links posted."