My research has two main focuses: behavioral ecology and adaptation in wild ring-tailed lemurs, and the legal/illegal trades of wild-captured lemurs within Madagascar.
Scientific articles
Clarke T, Reuter K, LaFleur M, Schaefer M. 2019. A viral video and pet lemurs on Twitter. PLos ONE 14(1): e0208577. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Gould L, Sauther M, Clarke T, Reuter K. 2018. Re-stating the case for sharp decline of ring-tailed lemurs. Folia Primatologica 89(5):295-304. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter KE, Clarke TA, LaFleur M, Schaefer MS. 2018. Rabies and aggression in pet lemurs in Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter K, Clarke T, LaFleur M, Ratsimbazafy J, Holiniaina Kjeldgaard F, Rodriguez L, Schaeffer T, Schaefer M. 2018. Exploring the role of wealth and religion on the ownership of captive lemurs in Madagascar using qualitative and quantitative data. Folia Primatologica. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Reuter K, and Ratzimbazafy J. 2017. Lemur catta (Linnaeus, 1758). Primates in Peril: The world’s 25 most endangered primates. In: C. Schwitzer, R.A. Mittermeier, A.B. Rylands, F. Chiozza, E.A. Williamson, E.J. Macfie, J. Wallis and A. Cotton (eds.), Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2016–2018, pp. 35-37. IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group (PSG), International Primatological Society (IPS), Conservation International (CI), and Bristol Zoological Society, Arlington, VA. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Reuter K, and Schaeffer T. 2017. Rapid decline of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in Madagascar. Folia Primatologica. 87:320–330. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, and Pebsworth P. 2017. Camera Traps. International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter K, LaFleur M, Clarke T. 2017. Endangered species: Illegal lemur trade grows in Madagascar. Nature. 541:157. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter K, Clarke T, LaFleur M, Rodriguez L, Hanitriniaina S, Schaefer M. 2017. Trade of parrots in urban areas of Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development 12(1):41-48. Available on ResearchGate.
Ohba M, Samonds KE, LaFleur M, Ali JR, and Godfrey LR. I. 2016. Madagascar’s climate at the K/P boundary and its impact on the island’s biotic suite. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 441(4): 688-695. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Sauther M. 2015. Seasonal ecology of ring-tailed lemurs: a comparison of spiny and gallery forest habitats. Folia Primatologica 86(1-2): 25-34. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Giraud L, Youssouf J, Gould L, and Adiba M. 2015. Reniala Lemur Rescue Center for Ring-tailed Lemurs in Madagascar. Lemur News: The Newsletter of the Madagascar Section of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group 19 (11-13). Available at: http://www.primate-sg.org/lemur_news/
Gould L, Kelley EA, LaFleur M. 2015. Reproductive female feeding strategies in spiny forest-dwelling Lemur catta in southern and southwestern Madagascar: how do females meet the challenges of reproduction in this harsh habitat? Folia Primatologica 86:16-24. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Yamashita N, Youssouf IAJ, Bender R. 2014. Cathemerality in wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in the spiny forest of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park: camera trap data and preliminary behavioral observations. Primates 8(2):1-11. Available on ResearchGate.
Pebsworth P and LaFleur M. 2014. Camera trap use in primate studies. International Journal of Primatology 35(5):825-840. Available on ResearchGate.
Schwitzer C, Mittermeier RA, Johnson SE, Ratsimbazafy J, Razafindramanana J, Louis EE, Chikhi L, Colquhoun IC, Crick J, Dolch R, Donati G, Irwin M, LaFleur M, Nash S, Patel E, Peacock H, Randrianambinina B, Rasolofoharivelo T, and Wright P. 2014. Protecting Lemurs: Response. Science 344(6182):358-360. Available online.
Schwitzer C, Mittermeier RA, Johnson SE, Ratsimbazafy J, Razafindramanana J, Louis EE, Chikhi L, Colquhoun IC, Crick J, Dolch R, Donati G, Irwin M, LaFleur M, Nash S, Patel E, Peacock H, Randrianambinina B, Rasolofoharivelo T, and Wright P. 2014. Averting Lemur Extinctions Amid Madagascar's Political Crisis. Science 343(6173):842-843. Available online.
Cuozzo FP, Rasoazanabary E, Godfrey LR, Sauther ML, Jacky Youssouf IA, LaFleur M. 2013. Biological variability in a large sample of mouse lemurs (Microcebus sp. cf. griseorufus) from Amboasary, Madagascar: Implications for interpreting variation in primate biology. J Hum Evol 64(1):1-20. Available on ResearchGate.
Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Youssouf IA, LaFleur Jacky Youssouf JIA, Fish K, Ravelohasindrazana LAL, Ravoavy JF, LaFleur M. 2013. Limestone cliff-face and cave use by wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in southwestern Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development 8(2):73-80. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M. 2012. Ecology of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, Madagascar: Implications for female dominance and the evolution of lemur traits. PhD dissertation. University of Colorado Boulder. Available online.
LaFleur M, Gould L. 2009. Feeding Outside the Forest: The importance of crop raiding and an invasive weed in the diet of gallery forest Lemur catta following a cyclone at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Folia Primatologica 80:233-246. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M. 2008. Feeding behavior and nutrition of male and late-gestation female gallery forest Lemur catta at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Master’s thesis. University of Victoria.
LaFleur M, Gould L, Sauther M, Clarke T, Reuter K. 2018. Re-stating the case for sharp decline of ring-tailed lemurs. Folia Primatologica 89(5):295-304. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter KE, Clarke TA, LaFleur M, Schaefer MS. 2018. Rabies and aggression in pet lemurs in Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter K, Clarke T, LaFleur M, Ratsimbazafy J, Holiniaina Kjeldgaard F, Rodriguez L, Schaeffer T, Schaefer M. 2018. Exploring the role of wealth and religion on the ownership of captive lemurs in Madagascar using qualitative and quantitative data. Folia Primatologica. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Reuter K, and Ratzimbazafy J. 2017. Lemur catta (Linnaeus, 1758). Primates in Peril: The world’s 25 most endangered primates. In: C. Schwitzer, R.A. Mittermeier, A.B. Rylands, F. Chiozza, E.A. Williamson, E.J. Macfie, J. Wallis and A. Cotton (eds.), Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2016–2018, pp. 35-37. IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group (PSG), International Primatological Society (IPS), Conservation International (CI), and Bristol Zoological Society, Arlington, VA. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Reuter K, and Schaeffer T. 2017. Rapid decline of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in Madagascar. Folia Primatologica. 87:320–330. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, and Pebsworth P. 2017. Camera Traps. International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter K, LaFleur M, Clarke T. 2017. Endangered species: Illegal lemur trade grows in Madagascar. Nature. 541:157. Available on ResearchGate.
Reuter K, Clarke T, LaFleur M, Rodriguez L, Hanitriniaina S, Schaefer M. 2017. Trade of parrots in urban areas of Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development 12(1):41-48. Available on ResearchGate.
Ohba M, Samonds KE, LaFleur M, Ali JR, and Godfrey LR. I. 2016. Madagascar’s climate at the K/P boundary and its impact on the island’s biotic suite. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 441(4): 688-695. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Sauther M. 2015. Seasonal ecology of ring-tailed lemurs: a comparison of spiny and gallery forest habitats. Folia Primatologica 86(1-2): 25-34. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Giraud L, Youssouf J, Gould L, and Adiba M. 2015. Reniala Lemur Rescue Center for Ring-tailed Lemurs in Madagascar. Lemur News: The Newsletter of the Madagascar Section of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group 19 (11-13). Available at: http://www.primate-sg.org/lemur_news/
Gould L, Kelley EA, LaFleur M. 2015. Reproductive female feeding strategies in spiny forest-dwelling Lemur catta in southern and southwestern Madagascar: how do females meet the challenges of reproduction in this harsh habitat? Folia Primatologica 86:16-24. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Yamashita N, Youssouf IAJ, Bender R. 2014. Cathemerality in wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in the spiny forest of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park: camera trap data and preliminary behavioral observations. Primates 8(2):1-11. Available on ResearchGate.
Pebsworth P and LaFleur M. 2014. Camera trap use in primate studies. International Journal of Primatology 35(5):825-840. Available on ResearchGate.
Schwitzer C, Mittermeier RA, Johnson SE, Ratsimbazafy J, Razafindramanana J, Louis EE, Chikhi L, Colquhoun IC, Crick J, Dolch R, Donati G, Irwin M, LaFleur M, Nash S, Patel E, Peacock H, Randrianambinina B, Rasolofoharivelo T, and Wright P. 2014. Protecting Lemurs: Response. Science 344(6182):358-360. Available online.
Schwitzer C, Mittermeier RA, Johnson SE, Ratsimbazafy J, Razafindramanana J, Louis EE, Chikhi L, Colquhoun IC, Crick J, Dolch R, Donati G, Irwin M, LaFleur M, Nash S, Patel E, Peacock H, Randrianambinina B, Rasolofoharivelo T, and Wright P. 2014. Averting Lemur Extinctions Amid Madagascar's Political Crisis. Science 343(6173):842-843. Available online.
Cuozzo FP, Rasoazanabary E, Godfrey LR, Sauther ML, Jacky Youssouf IA, LaFleur M. 2013. Biological variability in a large sample of mouse lemurs (Microcebus sp. cf. griseorufus) from Amboasary, Madagascar: Implications for interpreting variation in primate biology. J Hum Evol 64(1):1-20. Available on ResearchGate.
Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, Youssouf IA, LaFleur Jacky Youssouf JIA, Fish K, Ravelohasindrazana LAL, Ravoavy JF, LaFleur M. 2013. Limestone cliff-face and cave use by wild ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in southwestern Madagascar. Madagascar Conservation and Development 8(2):73-80. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M. 2012. Ecology of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) at the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, Madagascar: Implications for female dominance and the evolution of lemur traits. PhD dissertation. University of Colorado Boulder. Available online.
LaFleur M, Gould L. 2009. Feeding Outside the Forest: The importance of crop raiding and an invasive weed in the diet of gallery forest Lemur catta following a cyclone at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Folia Primatologica 80:233-246. Available on ResearchGate.
LaFleur M. 2008. Feeding behavior and nutrition of male and late-gestation female gallery forest Lemur catta at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Master’s thesis. University of Victoria.
Online Media And Press
Lemur poop could pinpoint poaching hotspots. PHYS.ORG September 2016
Lemur poop could pinpoint poaching hotspots. DUKE RESEARCH BLOG. September 2016
What Conservation isn’t: Eating endangered lemurs to save them. MONGABAY. August 2016
Tous contre le commerce illegal des lemuriens. LE CITOYEN. July 2016
Madagascar’s Treasure: Keeping Lemurs Wild. MADAGASCAR TODAY. July 2016
The disturbing backstory to the ‘cute lemur’ viral video. EPOCH TIMES. May 2016
Unfortunately, you can’t have a lemur as a pet. SLATE. May 2016
What you need to know about that cute lemur video. NPR. May 2016
These baboons and lemurs have left the trees to live in caves. NEW SCIENTIST. January 2016
Ring-tailed lemurs threatened by illegal pet trade. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. August 2015
Madagascar’s most famous lemurs facing big threats. MONGABAY. December 2013
First evidence of primates regularly sleeping in caves. SCIENCE DAILY. December 2013
Cave sleeping a regular occurrence for Madagascar lemurs: Study. REDORBIT. December 2013
Camera traps reveal lemur surprise. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. December 2012
Lemur poop could pinpoint poaching hotspots. DUKE RESEARCH BLOG. September 2016
What Conservation isn’t: Eating endangered lemurs to save them. MONGABAY. August 2016
Tous contre le commerce illegal des lemuriens. LE CITOYEN. July 2016
Madagascar’s Treasure: Keeping Lemurs Wild. MADAGASCAR TODAY. July 2016
The disturbing backstory to the ‘cute lemur’ viral video. EPOCH TIMES. May 2016
Unfortunately, you can’t have a lemur as a pet. SLATE. May 2016
What you need to know about that cute lemur video. NPR. May 2016
These baboons and lemurs have left the trees to live in caves. NEW SCIENTIST. January 2016
Ring-tailed lemurs threatened by illegal pet trade. SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. August 2015
Madagascar’s most famous lemurs facing big threats. MONGABAY. December 2013
First evidence of primates regularly sleeping in caves. SCIENCE DAILY. December 2013
Cave sleeping a regular occurrence for Madagascar lemurs: Study. REDORBIT. December 2013
Camera traps reveal lemur surprise. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. December 2012
Conference Proceedings
LaFleur M, Clarke T, Yamashita N, Ibrahim Jacky A. 2018Use of Euphorbia stenoclada (Samata) as a fallback food in Lemur catta (ring-tailed lemurs) at Tsimanampesotse National Park, Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology. Abstract available here.
LaFleur M. 2016. Stewardship of non-human primates: can members drive progressive ethics? Oral presentation. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
King B, and LaFleur M. 2016. Use and care of non-human primates: evaluating and improving ethical requirements. Symposium abstract. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
Clarke T, LaFleur M. 2016. Stereotypic behavior in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta): a comparison between wild-caught ex-pets and zoo-born populations. Oral presentation. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
Gould L, Clarke T, and LaFleur M. 2016. Population extinctions and shrinking geographic distribution: Is the iconic ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) headed for imminent extirpation? Oral presentation. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
Yamashita N, LaFleur M, Hood R. 2016. Dietary and energetic values differ in Lemur catta sexes. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 159, 340.
Sauther M, Striden M, Youssouf Jacky I, Cuozzo F, Ness J, Boeken D, and LaFleur M. 2016. Not just lemurs on the menu: Using scat sampling to understand feeding patterns among introduced and endemic predators at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Poster presentation. International Primatological Society Congress, XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
LaFleur M, and Sauther M. 2014. Seasonal ecology of ring-tailed lemurs: A comparison of spiny and gallery forest habitats. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 153, 163.
Godfrey L, LaFleur M, Ali J, and Ohba M. 2014. The lemur syndrome: How does ancient climate affect our interpretations of lemur evolution? American Journal of Physical Anthropology 153, 126.
Gould L, Kelley E, LaFleur M. 2014. Beasts of the southern wild: Lemur catta feeding and nutritional ecology at three spiny forest sites in southern Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 153, 128-129.
LaFleur M. 2014. Yet another Endangered primate: threats to survival of wild ring-tailed lemurs. Poster presentation. International Primatological Society Congress, XXV. Hanoi, Vietnam.
LaFleur M, Gould L, Patel E, and Crick J. 2014. The lemur crisis: navigating the complexities of conservation in Madagascar. Symposium. International Primatological Society Congress, XXV. Hanoi, Vietnam.
LaFleur M, and Godfrey L. 2013. Lemur adaptations and climate change: considering ancient and modern
Environments. Oral presentation. International Prosimian Congress, 5th. Center ValBio, Ranomafana, Madagascar.
LaFleur M, Sauther M, Cuozzo F, Yamashita N, and Bender R. 2013. Hungry, tired, and stressed: Why are lemur females dominant to males? American Journal of Physical Anthropology 150, 176.
LaFleur M. 2012. Caught in the act: nighttime activity in Lemur catta. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 147, 187-188.
LaFleur M. 2012. Who is eating whom: Assessing predation pressure on Lemur catta using camera traps and prey remains. Oral Presentation. International Primatological Society Congress, XXIV. Cancun, Mexico.
LaFleur M, and Tan C. 2012. Advancing primate research and conservation through the use of camera traps. Symposium. International Primatological Society Congress, XXIV. Cancun, Mexico.
Yamashita N, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, LaFleur M. 2012. Wet season dietary comparisons of Lemur catta populations n southwestern Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 147, 308.
Sauther M, Cuozzo F, Jacky Youssouf I, Ness J, LaFleur M, Larsen S, and Tkach V. 2011. A season of death: patterns of predation on wild lemurs at Beza Mahafaly Reserve, Madagascar using multiple methods of assessment. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 144, 262-263.
LaFleur M, Seamont M, Sandberg P, Van Gerven D. 2010. The dish on DISH: A “severe” case of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis from Medieval Nubia with implications for etiology of DISH and the progression of knowledge on this disorder. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 150.
LaFleur M, and Gould L. 2008. Male and pregnant female ring-tailed lemur feeding and nutrition during a tamarind fruiting failure in the gallery forest at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. International Journal of Primatology.
LaFleur M, and Gould L. 2007. Feeding outside the forest- Importance of crop raiding and an invasive species in the diet of gallery forest Lemur catta following a cyclone at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 149-150.
Gould L, and LaFleur M. 2007. Hapalemur on the edge--at Tampolo Forest Station, eastern Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 118.
LaFleur M. 2016. Stewardship of non-human primates: can members drive progressive ethics? Oral presentation. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
King B, and LaFleur M. 2016. Use and care of non-human primates: evaluating and improving ethical requirements. Symposium abstract. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
Clarke T, LaFleur M. 2016. Stereotypic behavior in captive ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta): a comparison between wild-caught ex-pets and zoo-born populations. Oral presentation. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
Gould L, Clarke T, and LaFleur M. 2016. Population extinctions and shrinking geographic distribution: Is the iconic ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) headed for imminent extirpation? Oral presentation. International Primatological Society Congress XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
Yamashita N, LaFleur M, Hood R. 2016. Dietary and energetic values differ in Lemur catta sexes. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 159, 340.
Sauther M, Striden M, Youssouf Jacky I, Cuozzo F, Ness J, Boeken D, and LaFleur M. 2016. Not just lemurs on the menu: Using scat sampling to understand feeding patterns among introduced and endemic predators at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Poster presentation. International Primatological Society Congress, XXVI. Chicago, IL, USA.
LaFleur M, and Sauther M. 2014. Seasonal ecology of ring-tailed lemurs: A comparison of spiny and gallery forest habitats. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 153, 163.
Godfrey L, LaFleur M, Ali J, and Ohba M. 2014. The lemur syndrome: How does ancient climate affect our interpretations of lemur evolution? American Journal of Physical Anthropology 153, 126.
Gould L, Kelley E, LaFleur M. 2014. Beasts of the southern wild: Lemur catta feeding and nutritional ecology at three spiny forest sites in southern Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 153, 128-129.
LaFleur M. 2014. Yet another Endangered primate: threats to survival of wild ring-tailed lemurs. Poster presentation. International Primatological Society Congress, XXV. Hanoi, Vietnam.
LaFleur M, Gould L, Patel E, and Crick J. 2014. The lemur crisis: navigating the complexities of conservation in Madagascar. Symposium. International Primatological Society Congress, XXV. Hanoi, Vietnam.
LaFleur M, and Godfrey L. 2013. Lemur adaptations and climate change: considering ancient and modern
Environments. Oral presentation. International Prosimian Congress, 5th. Center ValBio, Ranomafana, Madagascar.
LaFleur M, Sauther M, Cuozzo F, Yamashita N, and Bender R. 2013. Hungry, tired, and stressed: Why are lemur females dominant to males? American Journal of Physical Anthropology 150, 176.
LaFleur M. 2012. Caught in the act: nighttime activity in Lemur catta. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 147, 187-188.
LaFleur M. 2012. Who is eating whom: Assessing predation pressure on Lemur catta using camera traps and prey remains. Oral Presentation. International Primatological Society Congress, XXIV. Cancun, Mexico.
LaFleur M, and Tan C. 2012. Advancing primate research and conservation through the use of camera traps. Symposium. International Primatological Society Congress, XXIV. Cancun, Mexico.
Yamashita N, Sauther ML, Cuozzo FP, LaFleur M. 2012. Wet season dietary comparisons of Lemur catta populations n southwestern Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 147, 308.
Sauther M, Cuozzo F, Jacky Youssouf I, Ness J, LaFleur M, Larsen S, and Tkach V. 2011. A season of death: patterns of predation on wild lemurs at Beza Mahafaly Reserve, Madagascar using multiple methods of assessment. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 144, 262-263.
LaFleur M, Seamont M, Sandberg P, Van Gerven D. 2010. The dish on DISH: A “severe” case of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis from Medieval Nubia with implications for etiology of DISH and the progression of knowledge on this disorder. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 150.
LaFleur M, and Gould L. 2008. Male and pregnant female ring-tailed lemur feeding and nutrition during a tamarind fruiting failure in the gallery forest at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. International Journal of Primatology.
LaFleur M, and Gould L. 2007. Feeding outside the forest- Importance of crop raiding and an invasive species in the diet of gallery forest Lemur catta following a cyclone at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 149-150.
Gould L, and LaFleur M. 2007. Hapalemur on the edge--at Tampolo Forest Station, eastern Madagascar. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 118.
Photo credit @ Thorsten Milse
