Endangered lemur fights for survival in Madagascar

Geographical location:

Africa/Madagascar > West Indian Ocean > Madagascar

Summary

With its silky white fur, the simpona (also known as the silky sifaka) is a rare and critically endangered species of lemur found only in a small mountainous area of northeastern Madagascar. It is one of the three most critically endangered lemurs in Madagascar and is recognized as one of the top 25 most endangered primates in the world. Although the total number of simponas in the wild is unknown, scientists believe it is less than 1,000. Habitat destruction and hunting continue to threaten this fragile population.

A WWF project is developing habitat restoration activities and working to expand current protected areas to include the simpona habitat. WWF is also promoting environmental education and awareness programmes for local communities living near this unique species.

Background

Madagascar has been called the Island of Lemurs, and for good reason: 51 species of lemurs are known to exist in the wilds of Madagascar or its surrounding islands. Llemurs occur naturally nowhere else on Earth. Of these 51 species, 12 are found in the country’s Northeastern rainforests in Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve. One of the most remarkable of these lemurs is the Simpona (Propithecus diadema candidus), known in English as the Silky sifaka. This strikingly beautiful lemur, with its silky white fur, lives only in the forested mountains of Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud. The total number of individuals is unknown but has been estimated at less than 1,000; none at all exist in captivity. Tourists from all over the world come to the Marojejy region specifically to view this rare and beautiful animal.

Unfortunately, human pressures on the Simpona are high, as the dual threats of local hunting and deforestation continue unabated. Progressive fragmentation of the Simpona’s rainforest habitat is due primarily to the destructive practice of slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy). In addition, predation by the Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), and a high infant mortality rate (56%) contribute to the extreme vulnerability of the Simpona.

Because of its limited population size, restricted range, and ongoing human threats, the survival of the Simpona is uncertain. Indeed, the Simpona is one of the 3 most critically endangered lemurs in Madagascar, and it is recognized as one of the top 25 most endangered primates (out of over 600 total primates) in the world.

Objectives

- Improve knowledge of the Simpona and its habitat.

- Develop zoning and management objectives.

- Promote environmental education of the local community on the Simpona and its importance.

- Develop habitat restoration activities.

- Expand the current protected areas to include the Simpona habitat.

- Develop financial sustainability mechanisms for the project activities.

Solution

Several concrete actions designed to save this highly endangered animal are proposed. This will be achieved by promoting conservation awareness and local pride through environmental education programmes in communities near to the Simpona habitat. A particular target is those people who are directly contributing to the pressures on these lemurs, as these are the very people who can ultimately save the species from extinction.