Animals on the Edge - Lemurs

Lemurs

Endemic to the extraordinary ‘lost continent’ of Madagascar, lemurs range in size from the tiny 30 gram pygmy mouse lemur to the 10 kilogram indri, with its beautiful black and white fur and haunting calls. The name lemur means ‘spirit of the night’, possibly because some species are nocturnal and rely on good eyesight and well developed senses of hearing and smell.

Lemur Conservation

Several subspecies of lemur are ranked either endangered or critically endangered. Some are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and hunting. Although local traditions in Madagascar generally help protect lemurs and their forests, illegal logging, widespread poverty and political instability undermine conservation efforts.

Lemur Tracking with Explore

We visit a string of reserves and national parks, searching on day-time and night-time safaris for several lemur subspecies. We hope to see the rare and endangered golden bamboo lemur in Ranomafana National Park, a subspecies with only 1,000 surviving individuals due to loss of its bamboo forest habitat.

The revenues from visitors to the national parks and reserves of Madagascar play an important part in the efforts to secure the future for these wonderful animals.

Related Tours:

Madagascar Adventure

Madagascar Wildlife Tour

Land of the Lemurs - A Family Holiday To Madagascar