Scientific inquiry is at the heart of Lemur Love and drives our research.
Long-term Research: Behavioral Ecology of ring-tailed lemurs at Tsimanampesotse National Park, Madagascar
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Lemur Love’s Executive Director, Dr. Marni LaFleur, has been studying groups of ring-tailed lemurs in the northern portion of Tsimanampesotse National Park since 2008. This now long-term research has examined ring-tailed lemur behavioral ecology, including feeding and nutrition, metabolism, activity pattern, predation, and reproduction. Additionally, the research documents human activities within the park including illegal resource extraction, fires, hunting, and poaching of animals.
We conduct expeditions (at least) annually, and begining in 2019 will collaborate with Madagascar National Parks and the WWF Madagascar's Paraecology team to collect data and monitor animals year-round. |
Dr. Marni LaFleur reviewing camera trap footage, in the field.
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We have limited opportunities for enthusiastic self-funded individuals to accompany us on annual expeditions. Contact us for further information.
Ring-tailed lemur population Genetics and Forensic analyses of the illegal pet trade
(AKA #Poopscience)
(AKA #Poopscience)
The illegal pet trade within Madagascar poses a significant threat to lemurs. Moreover, ring-tailed lemurs are the most frequently reported species of pet lemur in Madagascar. The goal of this project is to determine the location of origin of wild-captured pet or rescued/confiscated ring-tailed lemurs.
We've collected fecal samples from all known locations where ring-tailed lemurs persist in populations of more than 100 animals, with the intention of creating a microsatellite 'map' of these populations. Additionally, we have collected fecal samples from approximately 40 current and former pet ring-tailed lemurs (with the permission of their owners or at the NGO Reniala Lemur Rescue Center).
We've collected fecal samples from all known locations where ring-tailed lemurs persist in populations of more than 100 animals, with the intention of creating a microsatellite 'map' of these populations. Additionally, we have collected fecal samples from approximately 40 current and former pet ring-tailed lemurs (with the permission of their owners or at the NGO Reniala Lemur Rescue Center).
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Genetics of the pet or former pet ring-tailed lemurs will be compared to the wild populations in order to determine where the captive lemurs were captured. This will enable us to determine the most effective areas to implement conservation interventions which prevent future captures. Preliminary results demonstrate that our methods work and animals can be assigned to populations of origin.
This project is in collaboration with several institutions including the Hunter College Primate Molecular Ecology Laboratory, Duke University, University of Colorado Boulder, California State University Los Angeles, James Madison University, and the University of San Diego. The Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation has generously supported this research. You can report pet ring-tailed lemurs, or any species of lemur, through the Pet Lemur Survey. This information helps us understand and fight illegal lemur trafficking in Madagascar. |
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wild capture and Legal/Illegal trade of lemurs within madagascar
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Within Madagascar, lemurs are wild captured both legally and illegally and then are kept either legally or illegally. The vast majority of these animals are captured and kept so that tourists can have up-close encounters and photograph the animals. Virtually no research has been conducted on the impact of wild-capture on lemur populations. As such, we do not know the sustainability of wild capture since we do not know the number of animals being captured, the mortality associated with capture and transfer, or survivorship of captured lemurs. We aim to uncover these basic statistics about the capture and trade of lemurs in Madagascar.
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Video of tourists closely interacting with a indri with a baby. This indri was captured legally and is kept legally at the Palmarium.
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Legal wild capture
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The government of Madagascar selectively issues permits to wild capture lemurs. These animals are transferred to zoological facilities, resorts and other tourist sites. Animals may be for starting collections or to add to or replace animals that die.
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Aye-aye at the Palmarium. This aye-aye was captured with legal permission in Masoala.
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Illegal wild capture
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Illegal wild capture occurs when a group or individual does not have governmental permission to catch lemurs, but they do anyhow. These animals may be sold multiple times to traffickers and end up as personal pets, photo props, in illegal captivity, or even at legal facilities.
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Verreauxi's sifaka and a domestic cat. Photo submitted to Pet Lemur Survey.
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Legal Possession
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In 2016 (the most recent information that we have access to) there were 14 legal facilities with permission to hold at least 645 lemurs* within Madagascar. Facilities primarily have lemurs to bring in tourists who seek up-close encounters, although there are two dedicated rescue facilities (ONG Reniala Lemur Rescue Center, SIB Mahajanja) and one facility that both rescues certain species and engages in planned captive breeding (Parc Ivoloina). Each facility falls along a spectrum in their commitment to animal welfare, and ability to provide adequate care. Additionally, facilities differ in their desire to maximize tourist revenue at the potential expense of lemur survivorship or wellbeing.
The following are the 14 facilities that were legal in 2016:
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Verreaux's sifaka at Kimony Resort.
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Please carefully consider which captive facilities (if any) to support before you visit them in Madagascar. As a general rule of thumb, any facility that will allow you to directly interact with lemurs is not prioritizing the animals' welfare.
*In 2016 one legal facility was listed as having 7 lemurs. However, we visited in June of 2016 and counted over 65 lemurs present. There thus may be many more lemurs in facilities that what is documented.
*In 2016 one legal facility was listed as having 7 lemurs. However, we visited in June of 2016 and counted over 65 lemurs present. There thus may be many more lemurs in facilities that what is documented.
Illegal Possession
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Individuals, restaurants, hotels, and dedicated captive facilities may hold lemurs illegally within Madagascar if they do not have a permit to keep the animals. It is difficult to obtain accurate information about permits and permissions and our most recent information is from 2016. That being said, to the best of our knowledge, the following facilities DO NOT have permission to keep lemurs, but do have lemurs for the purpose of generating income from tourists.
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Illegal pet ring-tailed lemur in Anakao, Madagascar.
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Please contact us if you have information with reference to the above mentioned facilities having legal permission to hold lemurs, or other facilities that may be holding lemurs illegally.
Please do not pay to interact with or take photos with illegal lemurs in Madagascar.
Please do not pay to interact with or take photos with illegal lemurs in Madagascar.
Lemur Love is a small US-based non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that conducts scientific research and
partners with Malagasy women to build capacity and promote conservation.
partners with Malagasy women to build capacity and promote conservation.
Header photo credit Thorston Milse.