Madagascar is famous for its lemurs. But poachers on the island are hunting and killing the lemurs for about 50 cents each. The endangered lemurs are then smoked and sold as delicacies to restaurant owners who are ordering the “killing of the animals.”
Disturbing pictures of the roasted primates have been released by the nonprofit organization, Conservation International (CI). The graphic photos show the corpses of both crowned lemurs, Eulemur coronatus, and golden-crowned Sifaka, Propithecus tattersalli. Although 15 people have been arrested, poachers have been taking advantage of the violence and turmoil that is taking place on Madagascar.
Lemurs
Crowned lemurs are considered Threatened on the ICUN Red List. Besides hunting, illegal logging, charcoal production and forest loss threaten the species. The golden-crowned Sifaka are considered Endangered. Besides hunting, threats include logging, gold mining, slash-and-burn agriculture and uncontrolled fires.
According to a recent press release, Dr. Russ Mittermeier, president of CI, said, “What is happening to the biodiversity of Madagascar is truly appalling, and the slaughter for these delightful, gentle, and unique animals is simply unacceptable. And it is not for subsistence, but rather to serve what is certainly a “luxury” market in restaurants of larger towns in the region.” Mittermeier went on to say that an entire population could be destroyed within weeks!
The killing of these amazing creatures threatens their very existence.
Crowned lemur photo by Olivier Lejade via Creative Commons
Black lemur photo via Mila Zinkova via CC
This is a horrible thing to happen not only for biodiversity’s sake, but also on a health level. Eating other primates is simply a health risk. Conservation International has more information on this issue:www.conservation.org/newsroom/pressreleases/pages/poaching-lemurs-madagascar-international-community-must-actnow.aspx
OK is any organization doing something about this? Any links to petitions or government people to write to to protest it and demand it to stop? How about writing to the tourist council of the island to let them know how valuable these animals are to them?
ontm@moov.mg
Found this addy at the tourism board site. which includes photos of lemurs as a draw for tourists~ Writing them now.
Thank you THINKERS! Put pressure on those restauranteurs.
To me, its important to realize the despirate nature of the poaching activity. $.50??????
Not only is poaching really sad and does it take a huge toll on the pop. of the animal livelihood, family and community, and on the earths bio-diversity. It also isn’t sustainable trade for the poacher, who’s family is growing.
Clearly, a way needs to be found for people to be able to earn a living being more constructive with their energies. Affordable trade training and education for marketable work.
Matter of fact, with all the dumbing, we could use some of that HERE, TOO! ~ K