Ring-tailed lemur  (Lemur catta)

Satellite imagery of Madagascar over the last few decades has revealed the full extent of habitat loss that the island has suffered. Fires, over-grazing by livestock, tree-cutting for charcoal production, and development have all contributed to the severe changes that this unique island has seen (7). The ring-tailed lemur is still hunted in many areas and individuals are trapped and kept as pets (2).

Despite being so well-known and valued, the ring-tailed lemur is thought to be at serious long-term risk, so conservation action is important. It is found in all five of the protected areas in its range, as well as two private reserves. Much research is being carried out on ring-tailed lemur populations to discover more about their behaviour, ecology and movements. There is a large and active captive breeding programme for this species, as many individuals are held in captivity around the world (2).