Claudia Fichtel
Biographic Data
| ID | 125035 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Claudia Fichtel |
| GIVEN NAMES | Claudia |
| FAMILY NAME | Fichtel |
| SIGNATURE | FICHTEL C |
| AFFILIATIONS | German Primate Center |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-8346-2168 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 22 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 45 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 22 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2007 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Infants as Social Magnets
Infant survival is an important component of parental fitness in iteroparous species with slow life histories. From the infant's perspective, survival can be more or less directly influenced by the social environment, with group members potentially representing either a threat or a buffer against external stressors. Therefore, studying social relationship patterns during early development may provide insights into the effect of social factors on …
Cognitive Performance in Wild and Captive Grey Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus murinus)
Animal’s cognitive abilities have traditionally been studied in captive settings and only more recently in the wild. Few studies have investigated whether and how captive and wild animals differ in performance in cognitive tasks. We tested the effect of age, sex, and wild versus captive origin on cognitive performance in a problem solving (captive: N = 34; wild: N = 83), an inhibitory control (captive: N = 34; wild: N = 91), and a causal understa…
Establishment and Validation of Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A Measurement for Intestinal Mucosal Health Assessment in Wild Lemurs
The measurement of biomarkers in blood and excreta can enable immune status assessment and provide prognostic information on individual health outcomes. In this respect, the fecal measurement of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the primary mammalian antibody for mucosal defense, has recently received increased interest in a few anthropoid primates, but a fecal sIgA assay for use in strepsirrhine primates has not yet been reported. Here, we deve…
Honest signaling in mouse lemur vocalizations
Animal vocalizations may provide information about a sender’s condition or motivational state and, hence, mediate social interactions. In this study, we examined whether vocalizations of gray mouse lemurs ( Microcebus murinus ) emitted in aggressive contexts (grunts, tsaks) co-vary with physical condition, which would underly and indicate honest signaling. We recorded calls from captive individuals that were subjected to a caloric restricted (CR)…
Infant Development and Maternal Care in Wild Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)
Impacts of Intergroup Interactions on Intragroup Behavioral Changes in Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch)
Water Availability Impacts Habitat Use by Red-Fronted Lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Female leadership
Potential self-medication using millipede secretions in red-fronted lemurs
Primate tails
OBJECTIVE: Living primates vary considerably in tail length-body size relation, ranging from tailless species to those where the tail is more than twice as long as the body. Because the general pattern and determinants of tail evolution remain incompletely known, we reconstructed evolutionary changes in relative tail length across all primates and sought to explain interspecific variation in this trait. METHODS: We combined data on tail length, h…
Sex and seasonal differences in diet and nutrient intake in Verreaux's sifakas ( Propithecus verreauxi )
Fluctuations in food availability are a major challenge faced by primates living in seasonal climates. Variation in food availability can be especially challenging for females, because of the high energetic costs of reproduction. Therefore, females must adapt the particular demands of the different reproductive stages to the seasonal availability of resources. Madagascar has a highly seasonal climate, where food availability can be extremely vari…
The Evolution of Eulemur Social Organization
Manual lateralization in wild redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur rufifrons ) during spontaneous actions and in an experimental task
The dominant use of one hand is a striking feature of humans, but manual lateralization can be found in a variety of other species as well. In primates, the lateralization in hand use varies among species and several theories such as the “postural origin,” “task complexity,” or “development theory” have been suggested to explain this variation. In order to contribute comparative data on this phenomenon from a basal primate, we studied manual late…
A novel feeding behaviour in wild redfronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Coordination of Group Movements in Wild Red-fronted Lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Group-living species have to coordinate collective actions to maintain cohesion. In primates, spatial movements represent a meaningful model to study group coordination processes across different socio-ecological contexts. We studied 4 groups of red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons) in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar, between 2008 and 2010 across different ecological and reproductive seasons. We collected data on ranging patterns using GPS collars an…
Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind? Behavioral Coordination in Red-Tailed Sportive Lemurs (Lepilemur ruficaudatus)
Many animals are organized into social groups and have to synchronize their activities to maintain group cohesion. Although activity budgets, habitat constraints, and group properties may impact on behavioural synchrony, little is known regarding how members of a group reach a consensus on the timing of activities such as foraging bouts. Game theory predicts that pair partners should synchronize their activities when there is an advantage of fora…
Reaching a Consensus
Research on coordination and decision-making in humans and nonhuman primates has increased considerably throughout the last decade. However, terminology has been used inconsistently, hampering the broader integration of results from different studies. In this short article, we provide a glossary containing the central terms of coordination and decision-making research. The glossary is based on previous definitions that have been critically revise…
What is it going to be? Pattern and potential function of natal coat change in sexually dichromatic redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus )
In some primate species, pelage colorations at birth contrast with adult colorations. The intensity of natal coats and their phylogenetic distribution is highly variable within primates. Natal coat coloration seems to change to adult coloration in most species when infants become independent from their mothers, but an accepted functional explanation for natal coats is not available. Here we describe pelage coloration change in sexually dichromati…
Ontogeny of conspecific and heterospecific alarm call recognition in wild Verreaux's sifakas ( Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi )
The production of vocalizations in nonhuman primates is predominantly innate, whereas learning influences the usage and comprehension of vocalizations. In this study, I examined the development of alarm call recognition in free‐ranging infant Verreaux's sifakas. Specifically, I investigated their ability to recognize conspecific alarm calls as well as those of sympatric redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus ) in Kirindy forest, western Madagas…
Intergroup relations and home range use in Verreaux's sifaka ( Propithecus verreauxi )
Relationships between neighboring groups feature prominently in socioecological theory, but few empirical studies have focused on the effects of neighbors on the behavior of primates. Interactions between neighboring groups are most conspicuous during intergroup encounters, but the likelihood of encounters with neighbors can also affect ranging and activity patterns indirectly, and, as a result, behavioral patterns in areas of exclusive use may d…
Vocal Repertoire of Cebus capucinus
Avoiding predators at night
Although about one‐third of all primate species are nocturnal, their antipredator behavior has rarely been studied directly. Crypsis and a solitary lifestyle have traditionally been considered to be the main adaptive antipredator strategies of nocturnal primates. However, a number of recent studies have revealed that nocturnal primates are not as cryptic and solitary as previously suggested. Thus, the antipredator strategies available for diurnal…
Coordination of Group Movements in Wild Red-fronted Lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Group-living species have to coordinate collective actions to maintain cohesion. In primates, spatial movements represent a meaningful model to study group coordination processes across different socio-ecological contexts. We studied 4 groups of red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons) in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar, between 2008 and 2010 across different ecological and reproductive seasons. We collected data on ranging patterns using GPS collars an…
What is it going to be? Pattern and potential function of natal coat change in sexually dichromatic redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus )
In some primate species, pelage colorations at birth contrast with adult colorations. The intensity of natal coats and their phylogenetic distribution is highly variable within primates. Natal coat coloration seems to change to adult coloration in most species when infants become independent from their mothers, but an accepted functional explanation for natal coats is not available. Here we describe pelage coloration change in sexually dichromati…
Impacts of Intergroup Interactions on Intragroup Behavioral Changes in Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch)
Vocal Repertoire of Cebus capucinus
Reaching a Consensus
Research on coordination and decision-making in humans and nonhuman primates has increased considerably throughout the last decade. However, terminology has been used inconsistently, hampering the broader integration of results from different studies. In this short article, we provide a glossary containing the central terms of coordination and decision-making research. The glossary is based on previous definitions that have been critically revise…
The Evolution of Eulemur Social Organization
Manual lateralization in wild redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur rufifrons ) during spontaneous actions and in an experimental task
The dominant use of one hand is a striking feature of humans, but manual lateralization can be found in a variety of other species as well. In primates, the lateralization in hand use varies among species and several theories such as the “postural origin,” “task complexity,” or “development theory” have been suggested to explain this variation. In order to contribute comparative data on this phenomenon from a basal primate, we studied manual late…
Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind? Behavioral Coordination in Red-Tailed Sportive Lemurs (Lepilemur ruficaudatus)
Many animals are organized into social groups and have to synchronize their activities to maintain group cohesion. Although activity budgets, habitat constraints, and group properties may impact on behavioural synchrony, little is known regarding how members of a group reach a consensus on the timing of activities such as foraging bouts. Game theory predicts that pair partners should synchronize their activities when there is an advantage of fora…
Honest signaling in mouse lemur vocalizations
Animal vocalizations may provide information about a sender’s condition or motivational state and, hence, mediate social interactions. In this study, we examined whether vocalizations of gray mouse lemurs ( Microcebus murinus ) emitted in aggressive contexts (grunts, tsaks) co-vary with physical condition, which would underly and indicate honest signaling. We recorded calls from captive individuals that were subjected to a caloric restricted (CR)…
Female leadership
Avoiding predators at night
Although about one‐third of all primate species are nocturnal, their antipredator behavior has rarely been studied directly. Crypsis and a solitary lifestyle have traditionally been considered to be the main adaptive antipredator strategies of nocturnal primates. However, a number of recent studies have revealed that nocturnal primates are not as cryptic and solitary as previously suggested. Thus, the antipredator strategies available for diurnal…
Ontogeny of conspecific and heterospecific alarm call recognition in wild Verreaux's sifakas ( Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi )
The production of vocalizations in nonhuman primates is predominantly innate, whereas learning influences the usage and comprehension of vocalizations. In this study, I examined the development of alarm call recognition in free‐ranging infant Verreaux's sifakas. Specifically, I investigated their ability to recognize conspecific alarm calls as well as those of sympatric redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus ) in Kirindy forest, western Madagas…
Intergroup relations and home range use in Verreaux's sifaka ( Propithecus verreauxi )
Relationships between neighboring groups feature prominently in socioecological theory, but few empirical studies have focused on the effects of neighbors on the behavior of primates. Interactions between neighboring groups are most conspicuous during intergroup encounters, but the likelihood of encounters with neighbors can also affect ranging and activity patterns indirectly, and, as a result, behavioral patterns in areas of exclusive use may d…
Vocal Repertoire of Cebus capucinus
What is it going to be? Pattern and potential function of natal coat change in sexually dichromatic redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur fulvus rufus )
In some primate species, pelage colorations at birth contrast with adult colorations. The intensity of natal coats and their phylogenetic distribution is highly variable within primates. Natal coat coloration seems to change to adult coloration in most species when infants become independent from their mothers, but an accepted functional explanation for natal coats is not available. Here we describe pelage coloration change in sexually dichromati…
Coordination of Group Movements in Wild Red-fronted Lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Group-living species have to coordinate collective actions to maintain cohesion. In primates, spatial movements represent a meaningful model to study group coordination processes across different socio-ecological contexts. We studied 4 groups of red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons) in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar, between 2008 and 2010 across different ecological and reproductive seasons. We collected data on ranging patterns using GPS collars an…
Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind? Behavioral Coordination in Red-Tailed Sportive Lemurs (Lepilemur ruficaudatus)
Many animals are organized into social groups and have to synchronize their activities to maintain group cohesion. Although activity budgets, habitat constraints, and group properties may impact on behavioural synchrony, little is known regarding how members of a group reach a consensus on the timing of activities such as foraging bouts. Game theory predicts that pair partners should synchronize their activities when there is an advantage of fora…
Reaching a Consensus
Research on coordination and decision-making in humans and nonhuman primates has increased considerably throughout the last decade. However, terminology has been used inconsistently, hampering the broader integration of results from different studies. In this short article, we provide a glossary containing the central terms of coordination and decision-making research. The glossary is based on previous definitions that have been critically revise…
A novel feeding behaviour in wild redfronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Manual lateralization in wild redfronted lemurs ( Eulemur rufifrons ) during spontaneous actions and in an experimental task
The dominant use of one hand is a striking feature of humans, but manual lateralization can be found in a variety of other species as well. In primates, the lateralization in hand use varies among species and several theories such as the “postural origin,” “task complexity,” or “development theory” have been suggested to explain this variation. In order to contribute comparative data on this phenomenon from a basal primate, we studied manual late…
The Evolution of Eulemur Social Organization
Sex and seasonal differences in diet and nutrient intake in Verreaux's sifakas ( Propithecus verreauxi )
Fluctuations in food availability are a major challenge faced by primates living in seasonal climates. Variation in food availability can be especially challenging for females, because of the high energetic costs of reproduction. Therefore, females must adapt the particular demands of the different reproductive stages to the seasonal availability of resources. Madagascar has a highly seasonal climate, where food availability can be extremely vari…
Potential self-medication using millipede secretions in red-fronted lemurs
Primate tails
OBJECTIVE: Living primates vary considerably in tail length-body size relation, ranging from tailless species to those where the tail is more than twice as long as the body. Because the general pattern and determinants of tail evolution remain incompletely known, we reconstructed evolutionary changes in relative tail length across all primates and sought to explain interspecific variation in this trait. METHODS: We combined data on tail length, h…
Female leadership
Impacts of Intergroup Interactions on Intragroup Behavioral Changes in Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch)
Water Availability Impacts Habitat Use by Red-Fronted Lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons)
Infant Development and Maternal Care in Wild Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)
Honest signaling in mouse lemur vocalizations
Animal vocalizations may provide information about a sender’s condition or motivational state and, hence, mediate social interactions. In this study, we examined whether vocalizations of gray mouse lemurs ( Microcebus murinus ) emitted in aggressive contexts (grunts, tsaks) co-vary with physical condition, which would underly and indicate honest signaling. We recorded calls from captive individuals that were subjected to a caloric restricted (CR)…
Establishment and Validation of Fecal Secretory Immunoglobulin A Measurement for Intestinal Mucosal Health Assessment in Wild Lemurs
The measurement of biomarkers in blood and excreta can enable immune status assessment and provide prognostic information on individual health outcomes. In this respect, the fecal measurement of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the primary mammalian antibody for mucosal defense, has recently received increased interest in a few anthropoid primates, but a fecal sIgA assay for use in strepsirrhine primates has not yet been reported. Here, we deve…
Infants as Social Magnets
Infant survival is an important component of parental fitness in iteroparous species with slow life histories. From the infant's perspective, survival can be more or less directly influenced by the social environment, with group members potentially representing either a threat or a buffer against external stressors. Therefore, studying social relationship patterns during early development may provide insights into the effect of social factors on …
Cognitive Performance in Wild and Captive Grey Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus murinus)
Animal’s cognitive abilities have traditionally been studied in captive settings and only more recently in the wild. Few studies have investigated whether and how captive and wild animals differ in performance in cognitive tasks. We tested the effect of age, sex, and wild versus captive origin on cognitive performance in a problem solving (captive: N = 34; wild: N = 83), an inhibitory control (captive: N = 34; wild: N = 91), and a causal understa…
Biology (20 works) · Ecology (18 works) · Primate Behavior and Ecology (18 works) · Primate (17 works) · Lemur (14 works) · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior (13 works) · Animal Behavior and Reproduction (12 works) · Zoology (12 works) · Animal ecology (11 works) · Psychology (9 works)