I carried out my data collection in two different parks in Spain: Bioparc Valencia and Bioparc Fuengirola. Both parks have mixed-species exhibits for lemurs. The data were collected between September 2018 and January 2019. I divided the exhibit in different zones of equal size and measured the time every species spent in every zone. In addition, I recorded 9 different behaviours and towards whom was performed. The behaviours were: Rest, locomotion, groom, play, vocalization, chase, attack, mate and scent mark.

The behaviours were: Rest, locomotion, grom, play, vocalization, chase, attack, mate and scent mark. I collected the data for the study using scan sampling by species, and 0/1 sampling for the behaviours. Since I could not tell apart the individuals for most species, because they had no identification marks, I decided to observe the while group of individuals by species. For Agonistic behaviours (chase and attack) I used All Occurrences sampling instead of one-zero sampling, because these behaviours are short and easily countable.

The exhibit (3786 m²) counted on several trees and vegetation distributed inside the exhibit. The lemurs use tall trees to rest and sunbath and feed on their fruits and leaves. Bioparc Valencia harbour 5 different species of lemurs at the same time in the exhibit: 12 Lemur catta (9 males, 3 females), 7 Eulemur rufifrons (4 males, 3 females), 2 Eulemur mongoz (1 male, 1 females), 2 Varecia variegata (males) and 2 Varecia rubra (males).

They are realeased in the exhibit from 10 am to 6-7 pm. 

The exhibit (414 m2) counted on several trees and vegetation distributed inside the exhibit. The lemurs share the space with yellow-billed storks, flamingos, Meller´s ducks and sitatungas. Bioparc Fuengirola harbours 4 different species of lemurs: 10 Lemur catta (4 males, 6 females), 3 Eulemur macaco (2 males, 1 female), 2 Varecia variegata (males) and 2 Varecia rubra (males).

They are released in the exhibit from 10am to 6 pm.

  Space sharing

I measured the time spent in every zone in order to observe how they divide/share the space and which species tolerate or affiliate with other species. Resting and Locomoting are the most performed behaviours, so I collected data to observe whether they prefer to do it individually, with individuals their own species or with individuals of a different species.

Affiliative behaviour

The lemurs perform behaviours such grooming and playing which allow them to create bonds between individuals. I observed these two behaviours in both parks and collected how often it happened toward/with the same species or a different one. Since the occurrences of this behaviours vary in time, I collected observation segments (number of minutes where the behaviour occurs) by using 1/0 sampling.

Agonistic behaviour

 Attacks and chasings are frequently performed for territoriality, food resources or mating. In the outdoor exhibit, they occasionally perform these to behaviours toward individuals of the same species or a different species. In this case, because these behaviours are short (1 to 3 seconds) I recorded the number of occurences the individuals of one species attack or chase another individual (same or different species).

Mating behaviour

I observed some occurrences of mating behaviour between males. I recorded the observation segments where this behaviour occurred.