Madagascar is renowned for its diverse array of wildlife – yet many of these species have become increasingly threatened with extinction due to the loss of their habitats. This sad fact has made Madagascar an urgent conservation priority for the last two decades. Part of the problem stems from illegal logging, slash and burn agriculture and cattle pasture.
Stepping in to help is the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust which is focusing its efforts on the Manombo forest, one of the last remaining lowland rainforests on the eastern coastline of the island. This area is home to two species of lemur, the white collared brown lemur and the southern black and white ruffed lemur, that are listed as Endangered and Critically Endangered respectively on the IUCN Red List. These animals, as well as all of the larger bodied lemurs in the area, are routinely targeted by hunters as a source of food.
Durrell focuses its attentions on building a trusting relationship with community members and the local authorities. Since its development, the organization has supported the creation of five villager associations to help monitor and study the lemurs and their habitats – and initiated awareness festivals and environmental education in local schools. They’ve also developed a GIS database to help monitor the lemurs over time. This strategy will provide a strong platform for developing a long-term management plan to protect the area.
The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has supported this project’s goal of conservation of the Manombo Forest and its Critically Endangered lemur species since 2008.
