Because Madagascar is isolated, most of its fauna and flora is found nowhere else! Madagascar is full of unique landscapes, from limestone pinnacles called Tsingy to lush rainforests, spiny deserts, and deep canyons.

Lemurs adapted to these unique landscapes, evolving into 112 species across the island. At least 17 species of lemur have gone extinct since the arrival of human beings roughly 2.000 years ago. Many others could disappear within the next few decades if action is not taken.

Today, the major threats to lemurs include deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture also locally known as Tavy, logging, firewood collection, charcoal production, bush fire, seasonal burning of dry forests to create cattle pasture and live capture of lemurs as pets. Sadly, as a consequence of global warming, starvation remains as a major issue in some parts of the island and hunting lemurs as a source of food is now emerging as a major problem in many areas, and requires special attention.

Every year, since 2014, World Lemur Day is celebrated on the last Friday of October in order to inspire people to love lemurs and join in saving them from extinction. This year it was celebrated on Friday the 29th of October. The celebration was created to raise awareness about the value of lemurs as Madagascar’s unique natural heritage among Scientists and the general public. It aimed to awaken pride for lemurs in Malagasy people, improve the economy through tourism, and promote lemur conservation and education worldwide. With 98% of lemur species threatened with extinction and 31% critically endangered, the time to act is now.

Tourism in Madagascar is also contributing to lemur conservation.