Lemur Conservation Network
A Project of the Madagascar Section of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group
We are excited to welcome a new group of science communication and education volunteers to the Lemur Conservation Network! These volunteers come to us from Madagascar, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and across the United States. We are so happy to unite this talented group of passionate conservationists to work together to make an impact for lemur conservation.
When I first heard that giant lemurs had once roamed the earth, I was fascinated and devasted. Fascinated to learn that at one point in our planet’s history there had been at least 17 large-bodied species of lemur, the largest of which is estimated to have weighed 160 kg. But I was devastated because researchers think these giant lemurs may have been around as recently as 500 years ago. I had just missed them. Today, there are 111 species and […]
Deforestation and hunting by humans have devastated the lemur community in the Tsitongambarika humid forest in the south-east corner of Madagascar. The area is one of the largest expanses of lowland humid forest remaining in the country, and home of seven lemur species – all little known and now highly threatened. In 2009 the Malagasy government declared Tsitongambarika a Protected Area, banning tree cutting and hunting. Forest clearance for traditional tavy agriculture and a high dependency on forest resources for […]
The World Health Organization has declared a global public health emergency in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and there is now evidence of infection with the virus causing COVID-19 in Madagascar.1 As we prepare for this public health emergency, we must also recognize the potential threat of this pandemic to Madagascar’s lemurs. Wild chimpanzees have experienced respiratory outbreaks following infection by human coronaviruses2 and it is highly probable that chimpanzees and other non-human primates, such as lemurs, are similarly susceptible […]
What is ExplorerHome Madagascar? ExplorerHome aims to: Inspire young people with scientific curiosity and interest in STEM fields; Inform the public about scientific research in Madagascar; and Provide educational and recreational activities for students that help them learn STEM skills while having fun. The Beginning of ExplorerHome When Dr. Tsiory Andrianavalona and Dr. Ramihangihajason Tolotra Niaina were in their third year of university for paleontology, they knew they wanted to make science easier for all to understand and appreciate. They […]
Hello again lemur fanatics. I’m back and I would like to talk about Black and White Ruffed Lemurs. The clue is in their name, easily recognisable by their fluffy back and white fur. At Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, there are three Female Black and White Ruffed Lemurs. For their safety and everyone who visits the Park’s safety, the lemurs are kept in their own spacious enclosure. Ruffed lemurs are very territorial. If they were in the walkthrough, they would […]
Events in Madagascar Events in North America Events in UK and Europe
Frontier’s research programme in Madagascar features three core surveys: monitoring the populations of lemuriformes, herpetiles and avifauna; and examining the impact of habitat degradation on their diversity. The avifauna is monitored using point count surveys, while lemuriformes and herpetiles are studied using transect surveys. Frontier conducts research in the South-East of Nosy Be, Madagascar’s largest offshore island, next to Lokobe National Park. Frontier’s research area therefore contains a variety of terrestrial habitats, including both primary native forest and heavily degraded areas; […]
