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Lemur catta Collection
Currently 60 lemurs make up four troops (and four matrilines) ranging from nine to 18 members. The current age distribution is skewed toward young animals and fewer adult males than would be expected in naturally occurring troops. As a matter of policy, the population is being allowed to equilibrate. Successful natality is very high, with as many surviving young each year as adult females, so this process should be complete by 2011.
Lemur catta were first released on the island in 1985, beginning with six (and then another six) animals from the Bronx Zoo. Most of the female animals on the island today are descendents of one of the original six, while a few are descendents of a female added from the (then) Duke University Primate Center in 1993. The males all trace some of their lineage to the original animals, at least through their mothers, but males from other sources have been added to the collection at various times over the years. The early adjustment of the lemurs to the new habitat is traced in Keith-Lucas et al, Am. J. Primatology 47:15-28 (1999).