Female Ring-tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Steroid Levels and Social Rank

By taking blood samples of all lemurs within a social group and merging the data with observational analysis of female rank and behavior, the relationship between hormone levels and behavior may be better understood. In this study, female blood samples will be analyzed for the hormones androstenedione, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Males and juveniles will be analyzed as controls. The correlation between hormone levels and behavior will then be assessed using focal animal and behavior observations and scanning methods. If a correlation can be made in the ring-tailed lemurs, the data can be used to benefit human hormone research and the species may benefit in the form of habitat rehabilitation and protect.