Systemic Effects of Leucaena Leucocephala Ingestion on Ringtailed Lemurs (Lemur Catta) at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar

Ingesting Leucaena leucocephala, a leguminous tree containing the toxic amino acid mimosine, caused alopecia in ringtailed lemurs at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar, by interfering with the hair follicle cycle. Despite absorbing mimosine, the lemurs did not exhibit poor body condition, organ toxicity, or intestinal issues. Leucaena ingestion was linked to higher serum albumin, α‐tocopherol, and thyroxine levels, indicating potential nutritional benefits and the lemurs' ability to detoxify mimosine. However, increased infant mortality was noted due to infants' inability to cling to their alopecic mothers. The study highlighted the need to consider leucaena's impact on wildlife health when introducing it into or near wildlife habitats.