Arthropod consumption by non-volant mammals in a dry deciduous forest of central western Madagascar

Abstract

The diet of numerous non-volant Malagasy mammal species remains poorly documented despite increasing anthropogenic pressures on their habitats. Herein, we investigate the diet of different endemic species of Tenrecidae, Nesomyinae, and Microcebus murinus (Cheirogaleidae) in the dry deciduous forest of Kirindy (CNFEREF), central western Madagascar, with a primary focus on arthropod consumption. Sampling was conducted during two periods: the later portion of the dry season and the wet season. Arthropod consumption was assessed from fecal samples, and, where possible, with additional stomach and intestinal contents for some Tenrecidae. Dietary composition differed among taxa, with Tenrecidae and M. murinus consuming mainly Coleoptera, while Nesomyinae ingested largely Formicidae, likely associated with their consumption of fruits and seeds, which form their main food sources. Herein, we present the first observations of arthropod consumption in Nesomyinae. Arthropod consumption differed among species of this endemic subfamily, with Macrotarsomys bastardi consuming a wider variety of arthropods (six orders vs one in Eliurus spp.) and showing a significantly higher rate of arthropod consumption. Overall, this study highlights the importance of arthropods as a key trophic resource for insectivorous and non-insectivorous non-volant mammals in Malagasy dry deciduous forests, and provides baseline information for understanding their feeding ecology.