| I examined the relationship between selective habitat use and population genetic structure of black-and-white ruffed lemurs ( Varecia variegata) in the fragmented Kianjavato- Vatovavy landscape in southeastern Madagascar. I calculated ranges for 17 lemurs in two forest fragments (June 2010 - March 2011, 4149 GPS points) and analysed the relationship between microhabitat characteristics and the probability of use of areas, and the extended use of trees within ranges. I genotyped 33 faecal samples for 16 microsatellites, adding 22 individuals from nearby continuous forest Ranomafana National Park. Despite the preferential use of large trees with broad crowns, low elevations, forest interiors, and areas with a large basal area of food species, it appears moderate fragment isolation (<100m) is insufficient to disrupt V. variegata gene flow. However, larger distances (6km) isolated populations, leading to a population bottleneck and a drop in allelic richness. These results may inform reforestation and management efforts. |
