The big-eyed primates from Madagascar are in serious danger of extinction.
The Bristol Zoo reports that 90% of the lemur species is in danger of extinction, mainly caused by human interference of their habitats in native Madagascar. There has also been an increase of poaching for the animals as well as a steep loss in funding for environmental programs that protect lemurs. In an article published in the academic journal Science , Dr Christoph Schwitzer, research frontman at the Bristol Zoo Gardens and vice-chair for Madagascar of the International Union for Conservation of Nature SSC Primate Specialist Group spoke out about the plan to save the lemurs. "Fact is that if we don’t act now, we risk losing a species of lemur for the first time since our records began." Schwitzer and other researchers outlined a large three-year plan for saving the lemurs, which included more management of Madagascar’s environmental conservation areas, creating more reserves that would be managed by local communities, and more long-term research in important lemur sites.
What makes the lemur so important? Schiwtzer explained that the lemur is "essential to maintaining Madagascar's unique forests, through seed dispersal and attracting income through ecotourism." He also believes that their extinction would "trigger extinction cascades" for other animals.
The Science Recorder reports that of the 101 lemur species, 22 are now classified Critically Endangered, 48 are Endangered, and 20 are Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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