LEMURS. The most endangered primates!

Lemurs are primates endemic to the island of Madagascar. They are named for the Latin “lemures”, ghosts or spirits from Roman mythology,due to their loud vocalisations, their bright eyes and the nocturnal habits of some of their species. They have adapted to occupy each ecological niche of the island.

Over 100 species.

The island of Madagascar

80% endemic biodiversity.

4th largest island.

How did they get to Madagascar?

65 million year ago. The lemurs arrived from the African continent on tree trunks propelled by the ocean currents.

Food

Leaves, Fruits, Flowers, Seeds, Roots, Insects.

Tamaño

The smallest = Mouse lemur

The largest = Indri lemur

Females in charge! ​

Lemurs are sociable animals, living in generally matriarchal family groups. The females dominate the males, taking precedence when eating or choosing the best place to rest or sunbathe. They have a very rich communication, with gestures, noises and scent markings.

Threats

Their main predators are fossae and birds of prey. The main reason for extinction, however, has been mankind.

Extinction

At least 17 species of lemurs have gone extinct since the first humans arrived in Madagascar. Of the 103 surviving species, 20 are catalogued as vulnerable, 49 endangered and 24 critically endangered. This means that 90% of species of lemurs are endangered due to loss of habitat from deforestation, hunting and illegal trafficking.

Conservation   

In 1927, the Government of Madagascar declared lemurs a protected species and established areas and national parks for their protection. The presence of these animals in these areas helped the ecotourism contributing to the local economy. 
At Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura we support the conservation of four species: the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata), the red-fronted lemur (Eulemur rufifrons) and the red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer).