Western woolly lemur  (Avahi occidentalis)

15 species of lemur have become extinct since sea-faring humans arrived on Madagascar's shores around 2,000 years ago, and humanity is still wreaking ecological destruction on the island (7). Habitat destruction through forest felling and burning poses the principle threat to the biodiversity on Madagascar, including the western woolly lemur (2). Small-scale but widespread clearing of forests is conducted for firewood, cattle grazing, charcoal production, and construction materials. In the dry season people often set brush fires to clear pasture for cattle but the fires frequently burn out of control and threaten protected areas (8). Hunting also occurs in some regions. These factors, coupled with the species' restricted range, give cause for concern (2).

The western woolly lemur is confirmed in only two protected areas, Ankarafantsika Nature Reserve and Manongarivo Special Reserve, although this species has also been reported in Ankarana Special Reserve (2) (4). It has so far been impossible to keep western woolly monkeys in captivity, probably because of their highly selective folivorous diet. It appears, therefore, that conservation of forests in situ where this species occurs is the best viable option of protecting the western woolly lemur (6).