Lemurs of the Madagascar Rainfirest

The island of Madagascar has been independent from any other land mass for 88 million years; meaning the flora and fauna have evolved in isolation. This has resulted in 90% of the species found in Madagascar to be endemic. Being the 4th largest Island in the world, it is home to 25,000 of animals. Many of these species are under threat from human disturbances such as slash-and-burn agriculture.

Pygmy mouse lemur ©Mark Thiessen/National Geographic Society.

Lemurs are the most notable species on the island – belonging to the primate order, they are the ‘Flagship Mammalian Species’ for Madagascar. However, all lemur species are classified as ‘endangered’ under ICUN Red List. There are 103 species and subspecies of lemur, which have large variation in size from the pygmy mouse lemur (Microcebus myoxinus) at just 25g, to the indri lemur (indri indri) weighing around 12kg.

Indri (Indri indri) by David Cook Wildlife Photography

small-toothed sportive lemur by Edward E. Louis Jr.in Vohiparara, Ranomafana National Park

Two noteworthy species that have been recorded nearby to the forest and we are hoping to find are small-toothed sportive lemur (Lepilemur microdon) and Indri (indri indri).

The small-toothed sportive lemur is under ICUN Red list of Endangered and are thought to have a range as small at 1,140 km sq. This nocturnal, folivorous species will also eat flowers and fruits to supplement their diet. They are thought to be declining heavily due to deforestation and hunting.

The other species of lemur we are hoping to see is the Indri lemur, this iconic lemur is the largest of the lemur family and are the longest surviving prosimian. This diurnal lemur is folivorous and holds an ‘Endangered’ status. They are famously known for their loud song which can resonate up to 1.2 miles, which helps communicate with neighbouring groups. Unfortunately they are very susceptible to human disturbances which is thought to effect their decline.

Undergoing our biodiversity research we hope to highlight the species that are there to aid towards conservation. Working in collaboration with DBCAM and the University of Antananarivo, we hope to promote the area for ecotourism. We hope that this exploration contributes towards knowledge of taxas’ distribution and hopefully contributes to local conservation tactics.

- By Charlotte Epps, Scientific Director