Supporting lemurs’ conservation in Madagascar via ecotourism

Thanks to its extraordinary wealth in biodiversity, Madagascar has arguably become one of the islands’ most special places.
This 4th largest island in the world encompasses high levels of endemism as far as fauna and flora are concerned. In fact, around 75% of the island’s species are found nowhere else on the planet, giving Madagascar the privilege to be classified as among the world’s most biologically diverse countries. Nevertheless,the exceptional island’s wildlife is seemingly threatened and is increasingly vanishing. Lemurs actually one of the highly endangered species.Habitat depletion and disappearance due to human actions such as deforestation and slash-and-burn culture is the main threat to these primates.

Measures that can be taken to reduce wildlife threats particularly lemur species
Advancing ecotourism is the best solution toward lemurs’ conservation and other endemic species as well. According to the Lemur Conservation Network, many conservationists agree that ecotourism is the number one thing that can ensure the survival of lemurs in Madagascar. The local Malagasy people need to see that lemurs are more valuable alive than dead. Tourists will come to see lemurs in the wild. This also means local communities play a key role in preserving the last remaining lemur species and their habitat.Furthermore, the protection of lemurs benefits also the Malagasy people. Tourists coming toMadagascar to see lemurs will help the locals to increase income and boost the local economy. That is why lemur-loaded parks are also requisite for conserving these endemic species. One of them is “Lemurs’ Park”, a botanical reserve located 22 km from the downtown area, on the NR1 towards Imerintsiatosika and Arivonimamo. The park abounds in various species of lemur in total freedom that includes Hapalemurgriseusgriseus, Varecia variegate variegate,Eulemurfulvusfulvus, Ring-tailed lemur or maki, Eulemurmongoz, Cockroach sifaka , and crowned sifaka.

Apart from the Lemurs’ Park, there are other National Parks that are inhabited by numerous endangered Lemurs such as Ranomafana National Park where the Milne-Edwards’ “sifaka”, golden and greater bamboo lemurs and black-and-white ruffed lemurs can be found; Isalo National Park with its red-fronted lemur; Andasibe-Mantadia National Park where the largest living lemur, indri, is spotted; Andringitra National Park along with its famous ring-tailed lemurs; Tsingy de Bemaraha where the ghostly Decken’s sifaka can be observed; Kirindy Forest that is inhabited by the fork-crowned lemurs, the verreaux’s sifaka, and the red-fronted lemurs.
There are over 100 species of lemurs living in Madagascar and nowhere else.Aspart of our wealth and heritage, thus, raising our compatriots’ awareness on the importance of protecting and conserving these species is a must.

Sources:Lemur Conservation Network/ Lemurs’ Park Madagascar