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

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 long-term research has examined ring-tailed lemur behavioral ecology, including feeding and nutrition, metabolism, activity pattern, predation, and reproduction. Additionally, this 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 year-round.

Dr. Marni LaFleur reviewing camera trap footage, in the field.

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)

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. The goal of this project is to determine the location of origin of wild-captured pet or rescued 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 genetic '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 they were captured. This will enable us to determine the most effective areas to implement conservation interventions which prevent further captures. Preliminary results demonstrate that our methods work and animals can be assigned to populations of origin. 
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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. 

wild capture and LEGAL/ILLEGAL ​trade of lemurs within madagascar

Legal wild capture 

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. 

Illegal wild capture​

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. 

Legal Possession

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. The primary purpose of these animals is to bring in tourists, although there are two dedicated rescue facilities (ONG Reniala Lemur Rescue Center, SIB Mahajanja) and one that both rescues and engages in planned captive breeding (Parc Ivoloina). Each facility falls along a spectrum in their commitment to animal welfare, ability to provide adequate care, and potentially alternatively, desire to maximize tourist revenue without consideration for lemur survivorship or wellbeing.
The following are the 14 facilities that were legal in 2016: 

1. Lemuria Land (Nosy Be)
2. ​Le Carat (Anbatofotsy) 
   
3. Kimony (Morandava) 
   
4. Lemurs Park (Imerinstsiatosika) 
   
5. Croc Farm (Ivato)
   
6. Domain du Lac (Ivato)
   
7. Peyreiras (Marovezo)
   
8. Vokana (Andasibe)
   
9. Parc Ivoloina (Toamasina) 
   
10. Palmarium (Brickaville)
    
11. SIB (Mahajanga) 
    
12. Tzimbazaza (Tana) 
    
13. ONG Reniala Lemur Rescue Center (Mangily) 
    
14. Lemurs Parks (at Ambohimanga Palace)
    

*In 2016 one legal facility was listed as having 7 lemurs. However, we visited in June of 2016 and counted over 65 lemurs present. 

Illegal Possession

Individuals, restaurants, hotels and 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. That being said, to the best of our knowledge, the following facilities DO NOT have permission to keep lemurs, but still do and with the intention of generating income from tourists. 

1. Nosy Soa Park
2. Nahampoana Reserve 
3. Saiadi Garden 
4. Aye-Aye Island 
5. Ranoala Park 
6. Park Endemika 
7. Lemur Park on Nosy Komba 
8. Andranara Parc
9. Natiora Green Lodge

​Please let us know if you have information that we do not with reference to the above mentioned facilities having legal permission to hold lemurs, or other facilities that may be holding lemurs illegally. ​In general, since there is no standardized training or methods for assuring adequate care for lemurs in Madagascar, we are more concerned about the welfare and death rates of lemurs in these illegal facilities. This is not meant to imply that all legal facilities have the ability to or intention of providing sufficient care for their lemurs. 

​Lemur Love is a small US-based non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that conducts scientific research and conservation with lemurs and people in Madagascar.

​Header photo credit Thorston Milse.