Red-bellied lemur  (Eulemur rubriventer)

The formerly extensive range of the red-bellied lemur, along Madagascar's entire eastern rainforest zone, has now been significantly reduced (4), the primary cause being the continued destruction of the eastern rainforest (2). Slash-and-burn agriculture in particular is encroaching on their habitat (1) (2), and illegal activities such as logging and hunting, which are heavy in certain areas, are also a major threat (5).

The red-bellied lemur is found in at least nine protected areas in Madagascar, including five National Parks and two Strict Nature Reserves (5). The red-bellied lemur is also protected against international trade under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (3). It is fairly rare in captivity, with around 67 red-bellied lemurs currently in captivity worldwide. However, European institutions are keen to continue to breed and manage this threatened Madagascan species (4).