How Seacology helps protect lemurs
Lemurs are some of the most unique creatures on the planet—and some of the world’s most endangered animals.
Wild lemurs live only on Madagascar, an island unlike any other on Earth. An estimated 112 species of lemur can be found in this incredibly biodiverse place, ranging from tiny mouse lemurs to the 20-pound indri. Fossil records even show evidence of an extinct giant lemur! Considered the Earth’s oldest living primates, scientists believe that lemurs came to Madagascar around 65 million years ago and evolved into the creatures we know today.
Unfortunately, lemurs are among the world’s most endangered animal groups, with 98% of lemur species considered endangered. Habitat loss, illegal poaching, climate change, and other factors all threaten these primates’ existence. Dr. Jonah Ratsimbazafy, winner of the 2023 Seacology Prize, described the moment he was called to action to protect lemurs on Madagascar: “I used to be a paleontologist, and when I went into the field to search for fossils I discovered lemur traps and even some dead lemurs,” he explained. “I said to myself, ‘the fossils can wait under the ground for now. Taking care of the creatures that are still alive is more urgent.’”
There are more than 100 lemur species, ranging from the tiny mouse lemur...
...to the Indri, which can weigh more than 20 pounds.
Helping people helps the planet
Dr. Ratsimbazafy also emphasizes the need for environmental efforts to be connected to building support and trust with the local communities who live alongside the animals being protected—a sentiment that is at the heart of Seacology’s win-win model. Our organization has worked on many projects in Madagascar over the last 25 years to support and protect the inhabitants of this unique island.
For example, Ankarafantsika National Park is home to eight species of lemurs, including the critically endangered mongoose lemur. Seacology began working with local NGO Planet Madagascar to protect the park’s critical habitat in 2021. Community members from nearby Andranohobaka Village now patrol the 2,686-acre forest; maintain a miles-long firebreak that stops fires in the neighboring savannah from spreading; and have planted about 15,000 tree seedlings. In return, with support from the NuSkin Force For Good Foundation, Seacology funded a new school for the village, replacing an overcrowded, dilapidated building.
Members of the Andranohobaka community are protecting nearly 3,000 acres of lemur habitat from wildfires and other threats.
In exchange for the village's conservation efforts, Seacology funded a new school for local kids.
The link to lemurs
Humans, animals, and plants are all connected. Providing resources and support to local communities in Madagascar helps enable them to protect their forests and the creatures who live there. Bigger populations of lemurs help the forests become healthier by carrying seeds and pollen to different areas. Healthier forests help boost local economies not only through the natural resources they provide, but also with increased income from ecotourism. As Dr. Ratsimbazafy put it, “Let us work together to create a brighter and more promising future for our primate cousins, for our planet, and for us.”