Lemurs.

Almost a third of lemur species on the brink of extinction:

Today's update shows that 33 lemur species are critically endangered, 103 out of 107 living species are at risk of extinction, mainly due to deforestation and poaching in Madagascar. Thirteen Lemur species have been pushed into higher threat ranges as a result of intensifying human pressure. Among those listed as critically endangered, Verieux's Sifaka (Propithecus varixii) and Madame Berthe's mouse Lemur (microcebus breath), are the smallest primate in the world, both previously listed as endangered. These species are undergoing a considerable decline, as their forest habitats are being destroyed through slash and burn agriculture, as well as by logging for charcoal and fuel. The hunt further endangered Verifax's Sifaka despite being perceived as illegal and forbidden 'in many parts of its range.

Elsewhere in Africa, an estimated 53% of primate species (54 out of 103) are now at risk of extinction. It contains all 17 species of red colobus, making it the most dangerous gene of monkeys in the continents. Among the primates that have transitioned to higher danger status, today there is King Colobus polytomous, a monkey living on the west coast of Africa, which has been endangered by Vulnerable. Hunting for bushes - most of it illegal - and habitat loss is the most urgent threat to primates across the continent.

“Thanks to a very successful IUCN Lemur Conservation Strategy developed by our IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, we were able to raise over USD 7.5 million for the IUCN Save Our Species Lemur Initiative. With those funds, local organizations are now building more community-based protected areas and patrolling, re-foresting, and raising awareness in schools and local communities on the need to protect the treasures of lemons, Madagascar, and more for ecotourism Work continuously. Although the situation is very critical for the majority of the Lemur species, it is fair to say that some, such as the severely destroyed northern sportive lemur (Lepilimur septentorialis), may already be extinct, for this investment. Not, ”said Ros Mittermeier, chairman of the Expert Expert Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

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