World’s Rarest Lemur Discovery in Madagascar
Good news for the world’s rarest lemur! A scientific survey has revealed that the Greater bamboo lemur, Prolemur simus, exists in more locations than previously recorded. Less than 100 Greater Bamboo Lemur were known to exist in the wild. But a scientific expedition into the rainforests of Madagascar has revealed the rare primate exists in twice as many locations as once thought.
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Local guides and researchers trekked into the remote areas of Madagascar’s Ankeniheny-Zahamena rainforest, searching for evidence of the rare and elusive lemur. Travelling hundreds of miles on foot and in dug-out canoes, the expedition finally paid off! The team found evidence of 11 new sites that provide habitat to 30 to 40 greater bamboo lemurs.
The discovery is being described as a milestone or major breakthrough, especially considering the rare primate was thought to be extinct until several decades ago. The Aspinall Foundation, along with Conservation International (CI), Association Mitsinjo and GERP, conducted the study.
Greater Bamboo Lemur
Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the species is considered cathemeral, active throughout the day and night. The largest of the bamboo lemurs, the primate has large orange eyes, black face and powerful jaws. One of its most distinctive features is its large, white or grey ear-tufts.
Threats to the greater bamboo lemur include hunting, political unrest and habitat loss. Illegal logging, rainforest destruction and exploitation of the giant bamboo, the animals’ primary food, also threaten the primate.
Photo Steven Lonker Public Domain
