Why do lemurs need protection

The Latin root of the word lemur , meaning « spectrum ». But for several years, the growing poverty and the influence of globalization tend to break traditional cultures. In addition, with the influx of labor in the mines, demand for meat is increasing, and small restaurants are even opened. These practices can have a considerable long-term impact on these animals, which reproduce very slowly.

Indeed, lemurs reach adulthood only at 9 years and have a progeny only every 2 or 3 years only. Following the coup and took power in Andry Rajoelina , illegal logging and uncontrolled pillaging of precious wood forests in Madagascar exploded.

Moreover, since the new policy was not set as a priority for the conservation of forests and reserves, mismanagement followed with corruption. Condemning the coup, the international community had frozen humanitarian aid and the financing of the environment and conservation.

In , Hery Rajaonarimampianina came to power , who, on the contrary, seems very open to projects to conserve Malagasy ecosystems.

The market for lemurs, captured in a natural environment and then sold as domestic animals, has developed considerably. Although the promoters believe that these lemurs who are released on day parole in private gardens receive all necessary care, the capture and possession of this protected species remains illegal. The threat of extinction of the lemurs of Madagascar , impacts the unique flora of the island. According to a study by Sarah Federman of Yale University , the extinction of giant lemurs such as Palaeopropithecidae or Archaeolemuridae several thousand years ago led to the disappearance of certain species of trees that did not More animals to disperse their seeds.

Indeed, lemurs are frugivorous and disperse the seeds during their travels through the island via their excrements. The disappearance of the lemurs would entail chain reactions: the disappearance of the remaining forests and the animals that depend on these forests to live…. Fossil records indicate that the common ancestor of lemurs originated in Africa, not on the island of Madagascar.

No fossil records have been found on Madagascar that would show an evolutionary link between animals that were on Madagascar during the pre-Cenozoic era and the lemurs we know today. Perhaps because these mammals were small and nocturnal, they were able to survive among large predators like dinosaurs. Waterfall near Camp 1 of Marojejy National Park. Photo: Lynne Venart. Since lemurs are only found on Madagascar now, the lemur ancestors must have found a way to get from the mainland of Africa to the island of Madagascar.

Scientists hypothesize that when lemurs completed this journey, the water current of the channel actually flowed from Africa to Madagascar. This is different from the current direction today. The small size of the ancestral lemurs and their ability to vary between endothermic and ectothermic helped them survive the trip across the Indian Ocean to colonize Madagascar.

Over the next tens of millions of years, lemurs evolved and diversified into the most varied group of primates on Earth. Some were even the size of gorillas! The smaller species that have survived make up the present day lemurs. The total number of species changes regularly when new species are identified. Based on our projections, habitat loss is a more immediate threat to lemurs than climate change, at least in the immediate future.

This matters not only for lemurs, but also for other plants and animals in the areas where lemurs are found. The same is true at the global level: More than one-third about Regions where the most rare species live are experiencing higher levels of human impact. Results from our work suggest that strengthening protected areas and reforestation efforts will help to mitigate this devastation while environmentalists work toward long-term solutions for curbing the runaway greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

Already, nonprofits are working hard toward these goals. A partnership between Dr. Edward E. All Rights Reserved. Lemur Conservation Foundation, P. Skip to primary navigation Skip to content The Lemur Conservation Foundation is often asked whether or not lemurs make good pets. Statements opposing personal possession of non-human primates:. Lemurs need other lemurs Many lemur species live in complex social groups. Ring-tailed lemurs, most commonly owned as pets, are Endangered , at very high risk of extincition in the wild in the near future.

Learn about the conservation status of lemurs protected by LCF here. Pet lemurs make bad parents Lemurs raised by humans have less reproductive success and more trouble parenting. Lemurs cannot be tamed Primates that are raised by humans are often more dangerous and aggressive towards people than mother-reared animals.

Diseases can spread between people and lemurs Lemurs and humans are both primates, and some diseases, bacteria, and parasites can be shared. Purchasing lemurs promotes illegal trafficking of wild animals Private owners may breed pet lemurs to sell for financial gain, but the continued demand for pet primates fuels illegal capture and trade of these animals from the wild. Your home is not their home Typical home environments can be deadly to pet primates. Primates can become an invasive species Released or escaped pet primates can cause havoc to habitats where they are not native and can destroy delicate ecosystems.

Is LCF a sanctuary for lemurs that have been abandoned, confiscated, or relinquished? Species Survival Plans. Socialization Issues. Caregiver Safety. Is it legal to keep lemurs as pets in the United States? Is it legal to keep lemurs as pets in Madagascar? What can I do to help? Don't buy a pet lemur. Support LCF's mission to protect lemurs from extinction. Use social media responsibly.