Lemurs in danger of extinction, experts say

True Lemurs, found only on the isolated island of Madagascar, are the most endangered mammalian group on the planet — more than 90% of all known lemur species are rapidly approaching extinction, primarily as the result of deforestation and habitat loss.

Researchers have said that a five-year political crisis in the Indian Ocean island Madagascar and a subsequent breakdown of environmental law enforcement have worsened the situation for the 100 species of lemurs living there.

Christoph Schwitzer, lead researcher at the Bristol Zoological Society in Britain, said that extinctions could begin very soon if nothing is done and one cyclone or other natural event could wipe out the entire population.

Schwitzer and his team, who came up with the emergency lemur preservation plan, have identified 30 priority sites for lemur conservation, which will be managed at a local level.

The team also plans to do a long-term research, which will also be put in place in key areas and an expansion of ecotourism will help fund the projects.

Experts have decided to ask the world leaders for 7.6 million dollars international aid, which would help in preserving a significant portion of the lemurs’ habitat.

Agencies/Canadajournal