Grey-backed sportive lemur  (Lepilemur dorsalis)

The main threat facing this species is habitat destruction, which is even occurring inside protected areas for rice and coffee cultivation (2). Forest clearance has been very widespread on Madagascar, and remaining patches are typically small and highly isolated (5). Furthermore, illegal logging persists. Other threats include hunting for food, harassment by children and being taken for pets (2).

The grey-backed sportive lemur occurs within two protected areas: the Manongarivo Special Reserve, and on Lokobe Special Reserve on the island of Nosy Be (5), however neither reserve is protected sufficiently from the problems of encroachment. Conservation education programmes in the areas concerned may help to stem the tide of habitat destruction. There is also potential for the development of ecotourism attractions, which would provide a source of income for the locals and hopefully negate the need for the reserves to be exploited (5).