Conservation programme for the Madagascan lemurs

These primates have been widely studied by scientists as they are endemic to Madagascar and many species are in danger of extinction. The lemurs’ natural habitat is actually under extreme threat: 90 % of the original forests where they live in Madagascar has been destroyed by human activity

The Parc Zoologique de Paris veterinary and scientific teams organise and participate in several lemur protection programmes in situ. Working closely with Madagascan organisations, our experts provide their veterinary and scientific expertise, participating in population inventories, genetic studies and awareness-raising campaigns for local inhabitants.

Furthermore, the Parc Zoologique de Paris teams take part in captive and wild population management programmes and work towards increasing population numbers in their habitat in Madagascar (translocations and possibly reintroductions).

The Parc Zoologique de Paris programmes involve several lemur species, all critically endangered:

• the black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata subcincta), listed as one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world, critically endangered
   
• the greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus), critically endangered
   
• the blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur macaco flavifrons), critically endangered
   
• the crowned sifaka (Propithecus coronatus), endangered
   
• the western lesser bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis), vulnerable

Thanks to lemur sponsorships, the Parc Zoologique de Paris experts are further developing the protection programmes for these species, providing veterinary care for the animals and setting up awareness-raising projects for local inhabitants.