Black-and-white ruffed lemur  (Varecia variegata)

As with other lemur species, the black-and-white ruffed lemur is threatened by habitat loss through logging, agriculture, mining and other development in Madagascar (1) (7). When human activities encroach upon rainforest habitat, this species is one of the first lemurs to disappear (1). Hunting also threatens this rare primate; unfortunately its large size and daylight activity pattern makes it an attractive target, and it is among the most heavily hunted of all Madagascar's lemurs (1).

The black-and-white ruffed lemur occurs in a number of protected areas, such as Mananara-Nord National Park, Zahamena National Park and Mantadia National Park. Although sadly, this Critically Endangered species has also vanished from other areas, such as Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Andringitra National Park, and other forests urgently require protection if this species is to survive (1). The black-and-white lemur has been the subject of captive breeding efforts, with a number being reintroduced to Madagascar's Betampona Reserve between 1997 and 2001 (1) (9). Unfortunately, this has had limited success, as animals that have not grown up in the wild typically have great difficulty adapting (9). Reintroduction is a long and costly process (9), and is rendered worthless if there is no safe, natural habitat in which they can be released into. Thus, hopefully efforts to protect Madagascar's habitats, by numerous conservation organisations, will be successful.