Center for Lemur Conservation in Madagascar

Background

Madagascar is considered among the highest of conservation priorities because many of the animal and plant species are found nowhere else in the world. Lemurs are one large group of animals found only in Madagascar. There are 48 species of lemurs ranging from the smallest living primate, the pygmy mouse lemur weighing only one ounce, to the long-legged sifaka that can weigh up to 15 pounds. Free from competition with monkey and apes, lemurs diversified to fill the varied environments that exist in Madagascar. But Madagascar is also one of the poorest countries in the world and the impact of human agriculture, fuel wood collection and livestock activities has resulted in wide-range habitat loss. Human populations have decimated the lemur populations and their habitats, leaving at least 15 species extinct and 17 endangered. Conservation efforts not only help the survival of this species but also provide valuable information for releasing other lemurs in the wild in the future.

St. Louis Interest

The Saint Louis Zoo has a long history of managing and developing husbandry expertise with lemur species. The Zoo's animal management, veterinary and research staff have assumed leading roles in the science of endangered species reintroduction techniques through the release of captive ruffed lemurs into Betampona. Such expertise will help future reintroductions for similar primates.

Goal

To preserve and develop conservation efforts for the primates of Madagascar through captive breeding, scientific research, education and reintroduction.

Conservation Science

The Center will conduct research to understand and monitor the health status of free-ranging wildlife. And coordinate an island-wide research program that safely collects blood and other samples from wild lemurs for health evaluations. Compare captive populations, assess disease risks associated with reintroductions or translocations and manage lemur populations in protected reserves.

Educational opportunities for Malagsy graduate students and conservation agents will provide in-country training courses in conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental education, veterinary science and even eco-tourism and eco-friendly small business development.

Partners

University of Missouri - St. Louis
Missouri Botanical Gardens
Madagascar Fauna Group
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
University of Antananarivo
University of Tamatave
Washington University
Ivoloina Zoo
University of Missouri - Columbia Veterinary College and Animal Nutrition Department