Rebecca J. Lewis
Professor — Ph.D., University Biological Anthropology and Anatomy (2004), Duke University

Contact
- E-mail: rjlewis@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: (512) 232-5386
- Office: WCP 5.152
- Campus Mail Code: C3200
Interests
Evolution of primate social behavior, intersexual conflict, social relationships, power dynamics, socioecology, biological markets, fire ecology, cyclone ecology; Madagascar
Biography
Research Interests:
Behavioral ecology, Primate social evolution, Sexual selection, Social relationships,
Biological markets, Cooperation and conflict, Power dynamics,
Disease ecology, Fire ecology, Cyclone ecology
Education
2004 Ph.D. Biological Anthropology & Anatomy, Duke University
Dissertation: Male-Female Relationships in Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi): Power, Conflict, and Cooperation.
1994 B.A. (cum laude) Duke University
Degrees: Biological Anthropology & Anatomy; Philosophy.
Certificates: Art; Primatology.
Courses taught:
Undergraduate: Primate Social Behavior, Comparative Primate Ecology , Methods in Primate Biology
Graduate: Primate Behavioral Ecology, Supervised Teaching, Feminist Anthropology
Courses
ANT 324L • Sex Violence Power-Wb
32085 • Spring 2021
Meets MW 10:00AM-11:30AM
Internet; Synchronous
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior-Wb
31165 • Fall 2020
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM
Internet; Synchronous
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology-Wb
31170 • Fall 2020
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM
Internet; Synchronous
ANT 301 • Biological Anthropology
31340-31395 • Spring 2020
Meets MW 9:00AM-10:00AM
N2
ANT 392J • Phys Anthro: Behav, Gen, Var
31835 • Spring 2020
Meets T 9:00AM-12:00PM WCP 5.124
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31200 • Fall 2019
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM WCP 5.172
(also listed as WGS 323C)
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
31205 • Fall 2019
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM WCP 5.172
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31724 • Spring 2019
Meets MWF 3:00PM-4:00PM GDC 2.410
ANT 392J • Phys Anthro: Behav, Gen, Var
31830 • Spring 2019
Meets F 9:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.124
ANT 301 • Bio/Phys Anthropology
30460-30525 • Spring 2018
Meets MW 9:00AM-10:00AM JES A121A
N2
ANT 388 • Primate Behavioral Ecology
30965 • Spring 2018
Meets TH 9:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.124
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31535 • Fall 2017
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM SAC 5.172
(also listed as WGS 323)
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
31540 • Fall 2017
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.172
ANT 301 • Bio/Phys Anthropology
30965-31030 • Spring 2017
Meets MW 11:00AM-12:00PM FAC 21
N2
ANT 392J • Phys Anthro: Behav, Gen, Var
31470 • Spring 2017
Meets M 2:00PM-5:00PM SAC 5.124
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31330 • Fall 2016
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM SAC 4.118
(also listed as WGS 323)
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
31335 • Fall 2016
Meets MWF 9:00AM-10:00AM SAC 4.118
ANT 392J • Phys Anthro: Behav, Gen, Var
30590 • Spring 2016
Meets TH 9:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.124
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
30585 • Fall 2015
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM SAC 5.172
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
30589 • Fall 2015
Meets MWF 9:00AM-10:00AM SAC 5.118
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
30715 • Spring 2015
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM SAC 5.172
ANT 392J • Phys Anthro: Behav, Gen, Var
31905 • Spring 2014
Meets M 2:00PM-5:00PM SAC 5.124
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31450 • Fall 2013
Meets MWF 10:00AM-11:00AM SAC 5.172
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
31455 • Fall 2013
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.172
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
31235 • Fall 2012
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.172
ANT 388 • Intro Behav Ecol/Genetics/Var
31313 • Fall 2012
Meets M 2:00PM-5:00PM SAC 4.118
ANT 347C • Methods In Primate Biology
31365-31370 • Spring 2012
Meets T 11:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.124
Wr
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31050 • Fall 2011
Meets MWF 3:00PM-4:00PM SAC 5.102
(also listed as WGS 323)
ANT 346M • Comparative Primate Ecology
31055 • Fall 2011
Meets MWF 2:00PM-3:00PM SAC 5.172
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
31380 • Spring 2011
Meets TTH 12:30PM-2:00PM JGB 2.218
(also listed as WGS 323)
ANT 347C • Methods In Primate Biology
31385 • Spring 2011
Meets M 11:00AM-12:00PM SAC 5.172
Wr
C2
ANT 346L • Primate Social Behavior
30190 • Fall 2010
Meets MWF 2:00PM-3:00PM JGB 2.218
(also listed as WGS 323)
ANT 398T • Supv Teaching In Anthropology
30433 • Fall 2010
Meets M 9:00AM-12:00PM EPS 1.130KA
ANT 347C • Methods In Primate Biology-W
30410 • Spring 2010
Meets M 11:00AM-12:00PM EPS 2.102
Wr
C2
ANT 348K • Primate Social Behavior
30520 • Fall 2009
Meets MWF 11:00AM-12:00PM BUR 136
ANT 348K • Comparative Primate Ecology
30525 • Fall 2009
Meets MWF 1:00PM-2:00PM EPS 2.102
ANT 347C • Methods In Primate Biology-W
30430 • Spring 2008
Meets M 10:00AM-11:00AM EPS 2.136
C2
Publications
PUBLICATIONS
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REFEREED JOURNAL ARTICLES
Asangba AE, Mugisha L, Lewis RJ, Halajian A, Cortés-Ortiz L, Junge RE, Irwin M, Karlson J, Leigh SR, Perkin A, Bales KL, Leigh SR, Stumpf RM (in preparation) The variation, composition and function of the non-human primate oral microbiome.
Asangba AE, Mugisha L, Rukundo J, Donahue M, Lewis RJ, Halajian A, Cortés-Ortiz L, Junge RE, Irwin M, Karlson MT, Leigh SR, Perkin A, Watsa ME, Leigh SR, Stumpf RM (in preparation) Comparing multiple body site microbiomes of non-human primates. Science.
Lewis RJ, Kirk EC, Gosselin-Ildari A (in preparation) Evolutionary patterns of intersexual power. Scientific Reports.
Rakotomala EJ, Rakotomanana HF, Louis EE, Lewis RJ (in preparation) Effects of forest characteristics on mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) abundance. Primates.
Rakotomalala EJ, Rakotomanana HF, Lewis RJ (in revision) "Les zones forestières du Sud Menabe, Morondava, Madagascar: pressions et menaces". Madagascar Conservation & Development.
Lewis RJ, Sandel AA, Hilty S, Barnett SE (in press) Numerical superiority does not explain success in intergroup encounters in Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi). International Journal of Primatology.
Lewis RJ (2020) Female power: A new framework for understanding “female dominance” in lemurs. Folia Primatologica. 91(1): 48-68. DOI: 10.1159/000500443
Mann AE, Mazel F, Lemay M, Morien E, Kowalewski M, Di Fiore A, Link A, Goldberg T, Tecot S, Baden A, Gomez A, Sauther SL, Cuozzo F, Britton GAO, Dominy NJ, Stumpf R, Lewis RJ, Swedell L, Amato A, Wegener Parfrey L (2019) Biodiversity of protists and nematodes in the wild non-human primate gut microbiome. International Society for Microbial Ecology Journal. DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0551-4
Voyt RA, Ortiz KM, Sandel AA, Lewis RJ (2019) Female power in Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) is based on maturity, not body size. International Journal of Primatology 40(3): 417-434. DOI: 10.1007/s10764-019-00096-9
Lewis RJ (2019) Subordination signals improve the quality of social relationships in Verreaux’s sifaka: Implications for the evolution of power structures and social complexity. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 169:599-607. DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23876
Perofsky AC, Lewis RJ, Meyers LA (2018) Terrestriality and bacterial transfer: a comparative study of gut microbiomes in sympatric Malagasy mammals. ISME Journal. DOI: 10.1038/s41396-018-0251-5
Amato K, Sanders J, Jin Song S, Nute M, Metcalf J, Thompson L, Morton J, Amir A, McKenzie V, Humphrey G, Gogul G, Gaffney J, Baden A, Britton G, Cuozzo F, Di Fiore A, Dominy N, Goldberg T, Gomez A, Kowaleski M, Lewis R, Link A, Sauther M, Tecot S, White B, Nelson K, Stumpf R, Knight R, Leigh S (2018) Evolutionary trends in host physiology outweigh dietary niche in structuring primate gut microbiomes. ISME Journal. DOI: 10.1038/s41396-018-0175-0
Lewis RJ (2018) Female Power in Primates and the Phenomenon of “Female Dominance”. Annual Review of Anthropology. Vol. 47. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anthro-102317-045958
Perofsky A, Lewis RJ, Abondano L, Di Fiore A, Meyers LA (2017) Hierarchical social networks shape gut microbial composition in wild Verreaux’s sifaka Proceedings of the Royal Society B 284(1868). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2274
Rakotomalala E, Rakotondraparany F, Perofsky A, Lewis RJ (2017) Characterization of the tree holes used by Lepilemur ruficaudatus in the dry, deciduous forest of Kirindy Mitea National Park. Folia Primatologica 88(1): 28-41. DOI: 10.1159/000464406
Veilleux CC, Scarry CJ, Di Fiore A, Kirk EC,Bolnick DA, Lewis RJ (2016) Group benefit associated with polymorphic trichromacy in a Malagasy primate (Propithecus verreauxi). Scientific Reports 6. DOI: 10.1038/srep38418
Veilleux CC, Scarry CJ, Di Fiore A, Kirk EC,Bolnick DA, Lewis RJ (2016) Group benefit associated with polymorphic trichromacy in a Malagasy primate (Propithecus verreauxi). Scientific Reports 6. DOI: 10.1038/srep38418
Furnell S, Blanchard ML, Crompton RH, Sellers WI (2015) Locomotor ecology of Propithecus verreauxi in Kirindy Mitea National Park. Folia Primatologica 86(4):223-230. DOI: 10.1159/000377677
Blanchard ML, Furnell S, Sellers WI, Crompton RH (2015) Locomotor flexibility in Lepilemur explained by habitat and biomechanics. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 156(1):58-66. DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22627
Rasambainarivo FT., Junge RE, Lewis RJ (2014) Biomedical evaluation of Verreaux’s sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) from Kirindy Mitea National Park in Madagascar. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 45(2):247-255. DOI: 10.1638/2013-0038R1.1
Vanpé C, Salmona J, Pais I, Kun-Rodrigues C, Pichon C, Viana Meyler S, Rabarivola C, Lewis RJ, Thani Ibouroi M, Chikhi L (2013) Non-invasive Molecular Sexing: An Evaluation and Validation of the SRY- and Amelogenin-based Method in Three New Lemur Species. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 150:492-503. DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.2222
Lewis RJ, Bannar-Martin KH (2012) The Impact of Cyclone Fanele on a Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar. Biotropica 44(2):135-140. DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2011.00799.x
Lewis RJ, Rakotondranaivo F (2011) The Impact of Cyclone Fanele on Sifaka Body Condition and Reproduction in the Tropical Dry Forest of Western Madagascar. Journal of Tropical Ecology 27:429–432. DOI: 10.1017/S0266467411000083
Carnes LM, Nunn CL, Lewis RJ (2011) Effects of the Distribution of Female Primates on the Number of Males. PLoS ONE 6(5): e19853. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019853
Veilleux CC, Lewis RJ (2011) Effects of Habitat Light Intensity on Mammalian Eye Shape. Anatomical Record 294:905-914. DOI: 10.1002/ar.21368
Lewis RJ (2010) Grooming Patterns in Verreaux’s Sifaka. American Journal of Primatology 72(3):254-261. DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20776
Lewis RJ (2009) Chest Staining Variation as a Signal of Testosterone Levels in Male Verreaux's Sifaka. Physiology & Behavior 96:586-592. DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.12.020
Lewis RJ (2008) Social Influences on Group Membership in Verreaux's Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi). International Journal of Primatology 29(5):1249-1270. DOI: 10.1007/s10764-008-9304-3
Lewis RJ, van Schaik CP (2007) Bimorphism in Male Verreaux’s Sifaka in the Kirindy Forest of Madagascar. International Journal of Primatology 28(1):159-182. DOI: 10.1007/s10764-006-9107-3
Lewis RJ (2006) The Function of Scent-marking in Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi). American Journal of Primatology 68(6):622-636. DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20256
Lewis RJ, Kappeler PM (2005) Seasonality, Body Condition, and the Timing of Reproduction in Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi. American Journal of Primatology 67(3):347-364. DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20187
Lewis RJ, Kappeler PM (2005) Are Verreaux’s Sifaka Captial or Income Breeders? It Depends. American Journal of Primatology 67(3):365-369. DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20190
Lewis RJ (2005) Sex Differences in Scent-marking in Sifaka: Mating Conflict or Male Services?. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 128(2):389-398. DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.20206
Lewis RJ, Razafindrasamba SM, Tolojanahary JP (2003) Observed Infanticide in a Seasonal Breeding Prosimian (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi) in Kirindy Forest, Madagascar. Folia Primatologica 74(2):101-103. DOI: 10.1159/000070006
Lewis RJ (2002) Beyond Dominance: The Importance of Leverage. Quarterly Review of Biology 77(2): 149-164. DOI: 10.1086/343899
REFEREED BOOK CHAPTERS
Lewis RJ, Axel AC (2019) Using vegetation phenology and long-term demographic data to assess the impact of Cyclone Fanele on a lemur population in Madagascar. In A Behie, J , N Malone (eds) Primate Research and Conservation in the Anthropocene (pp. 216-236). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/9781316662021.013
OTHER BOOK CHAPTERS
Lewis RJ (2016) Speaking of power. In E Palagi, I Norscia (eds): The Missing Lemur Link: An Ancestral Step in Human Evolution. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Markolf M, Kappeler P, Lewis R, Jacky IAY (2013) Site-Based Action Plan: Kirindy-Ambadira (Central Menabe). In C Schwitzer, R Mittermeier, N Davies, S Johnson, J Ratsimbazafy, J Razafindramanana, EE Louis Jr, S Rajaobelina (eds): Lemurs of Madagascar: A Strategy for Their Conservation 2013-2016. IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation, Conservation International: Bristol, UK.
Lewis RJ, Lawler RR (2013) Verreaux's sifaka. In N Rowe (ed.): All the World's Lemurs, Lorises, Bushbabies, and Pottos: The Primate Suborder Strepsirhini (All the World's Primates Ebook Series). Charlestown, RI: Pogonias Press.
Lewis RJ, Lawler RR (2011) Verreaux’s sifaka. In N Rowe (ed.): All the World’s Primates, Pogonias Press, East Hampton.
REFEREED ENCYCLOPEDIA CHAPTERS
Lewis RJ (2018): Behavioral sampling. International Encyclopedia of Biological Anthropology. Wiley Blackwell. Pp. 165-167. DOI: 10.1002/9781118584538.ieba0047
Lewis RJ (2017): Sociobiology. International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Wiley Blackwell. Pp. 1329-1332. DOI: 10.1002/9781119179313.wbprim0407
Lewis RJ (2017): Behavioral sampling. International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Wiley Blackwell. Pp. 93-97. DOI: 10.1002/9781119179313.wbprim0083
Lewis RJ (2017): Sexual selection. International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Wiley Blackwell. Pp. 1281-1286. DOI: 10.1002/9781119179313.wbprim0060
Lewis RJ (2017): Mate choice. International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Wiley Blackwell. Pp. 774-776. DOI: 10.1002/9781119179313.wbprim0157
BOOK REVIEWS
Research Experience
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE / FIELDWORK
2017-present
Primate Demography Working Group, led by Susan Alberts (Duke University) and Fernando Colchero (University of Southern Denmark), demographers, captive research groups, and Principal Investigators from 18 long-term primate studies.
2014-2019
Inventory and Conservation Genetics of the Nocturnal Primate Community in the Kirindy Mitea National Park, Madagascar. Principal Investigator. In collaboration with Edward E. Louis, Jr., Hajanirina Rakotomanana, Elvis Rakotomalala.
2009-2019
The Impact of Cyclone Fanele on the Kirindy Mitea National Park, Madagascar. Principal Investigator.
2010–2018
Disease Ecology of Verreaux’s Sifaka. Kirindy Mitea National Park, Madagascar. Co-Principal Investigator. In collaboration with Drs. Lauren Meyers, Amanda Perofsky, Damien Caillaud, Randy Junge, Fidisoa Rasambainarivo.
2006 – Present
Behavior and Ecology of Sifaka. Kirindy Mitea National Park, Madagascar. PI.
2004 - 2010
Cooperation in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Bastrop, Texas. PI.
2000 - 2002
Sources of Variation in Male-Female Relationships in Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreuxi verreauxi): Intersexual Conflict and Power. Kirindy Forest, Madagascar. PI, dissertation research under Dr. Carel van Schaik.
1998
Socially-Mediated Factors Affecting Seasonal Testicular Function in Propithecus verreauxi: Hormonal Mechanisms and Evolutionary Questions. Beza-Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. Assisted Drs. Diane Brockman and Patricia Whitten.
1997
Ecological Influences on the Social Organization and Reproductive Strategies in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, Brazil. Assisted Dr. Leslie Digby.
1995 - 1996
A Comparison of Social Interactions in Pigtailed Monkeys and Rhesus Monkeys. Tulane Regional Primate Research Center. Covington, Louisiana. PI in collaboration with Dr. Margaret Clarke and doctoral student Marie Hunyen.
1994 - 1995
Socio-ecology of Two Sympatric Indriids: Propithecus diadema diadema and Indri indri, a Comparison of Feeding Strategies and Their Possible Repercussions on Species Specific Behaviors. Mantadia National Park, Madagascar. Assisted doctoral student Joyce Powzyk.
1993 - 1994
Sex Differences in Control of Power in Eulemur fulvus rufus. Duke University Primate Center. PI in collaboration with Drs. Frances White and Deborah Overdorff.
1992
Morphometrics of Lemur catta and Eulemur fulvus rufus. Duke University Primate Center. Assisted Dr. Michael Pereira.
Madagascar Fieldwork
MADAGASCAR FIELD RESEARCH
My field work currently focuses on Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) in the Kirindy Mitea National Park. This park provides a unique opportunity to study sifaka socioecology because the park is the transition zone for three different ecosystems: the dry, deciduous forest of the west, the spiny desert of the south, and the coastal mangroves. I have created a 1 sq. km grid system of trails in the forest. Trails are 25 m apart and marked for easy navigation. This grid system also allows us to measure home range size and use without the use of a GPS. Multiple social groups are habituated and marked with nylon collars and tags. One individual per group has a radio collar.
Demography, Morphology, & Genetics
Censuses of the social groups are conducted regularly to allow for studies of demography. Captures are conducted twice a year in order to monitor body condition. I am also collaborating with Dr. Tony Di Fiore to conduct genetic analyses of the population.
Alternative Mating Strategies
Adult male sifaka are bimorphic: some males have a dark brown, greasy staining on their chests, while others have chests that are clean and white. This variation is related to dominance status. The goal of my study is to document the striking variation in sifaka male chest status and to evaluate the hypotheses that chest status represents alternative mating tactics. To this end, I am studying (1) male social and mating behavior, (2) variability in chest staining, (3) the morphological and hormonal correlates of chest status, (4) female mate choice, (5) how the chest staining acts as a visual and olfactory signal, (6) whether chest status is related to male dispersal strategies, and (7) male reproductive success.
Feeding Ecology
Verreaux's sifaka are medium-sized folivores that live in habitats ranging from dry, deciduous forest to spiny desert. Because Kirindy Mitea National Park is located in the transition zone for three ecosystems, this field site is ideal for examining the effects of ecology on behavior. I am studying how the sifaka in Kirindy Mitea National Park use their habitat, what plants they eat, and the within- and between- group competition that arises as a result of the availability of their food.
Students
CURRENT STUDENTS
Elvis Rakotomalala (University of Antananarivo)
FORMER STUDENTS
Rachel Voyt MA 2018
"Factors affecting the expression of female-biased power in Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)" and "Monomorphism in mammals: A review of current hypotheses"
Kathryn Ortiz MA 2016
Female feeding competition in a folivorous primate (Propithecus verreauxi) with formalized dominance hierarchies: contest or scramble?
Kara Leimberger MA 2015
Male strategies for changing group membership in Verreaux's sifaka
PhD student Dept. of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University
Katherine Bannar-Martin PhD 2015
Scale and Process: Primate and Non-Primate Mammal Community Composition and Diversity in Madagascar
Researcher German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig
web site: http://khbannarmartin.com/index.php
Carl Toborowsky MA 2009
Olfactory Communication and Sexual Selection in Strepsirrhines
Student, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
Laurel Carnes MA 2009
Effects of the Distribution of Female Primates on Male Reproductive Monopolization