Hairy-eared dwarf lemur  (Allocebus trichotis)

The continued destruction of the rainforests of eastern Madagascar poses a serious threat to this tiny forest-dwelling primate (2) (4). Highland rainforest within the hairy-eared dwarf lemur’s range is being logged at an increasing rate by local villagers for slash-and-burn agriculture and by mining companies (2) (4) (15). The hairy-eared dwarf lemur is also reportedly killed and eaten regularly by local people; an additional pressure that this species may not be able to withstand (2)

The hairy-eared dwarf lemur occurs in several protected areas, including Analamazaotra Special Reserve and Forest Station (15), Mantadia National Park (15), Zahamena National Park (8) (9), Anjanaharibe-sud Special Reserve (12) (13), Marojejy National Park (14) and in the area surrounding Verezanantsoro National Park (1), which may offer this endangered species some degree of protection. It is also listed on Appendix I of the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that trade in this species is only permitted in exceptional circumstances (3). To ensure this species’ continued survival it is proposed that three conservation actions are undertaken simultaneously; increased protection of important areas, long term field studies to obtain information regarding its distribution and status, and breeding programs to enable studies in captivity (4). Captive breeding may also protect against the loss of this species if the population was to become extinct in the wild. Hopefully, this scenario will never materialise, and instead we will have infinite years to discover more about this mysterious primate.