Lemurs

Lemurs — a name that means “ghost” in Latin — are unique primates found only in Madagascar. They are the last survivors of an ancient group of primates that evolved in isolation on the island, far from the monkeys of Africa and the other predators of the mainland. They have scent glands, which they use to mark their territory and to communicate with other members of their group. The ring-tailed lemur’s tail, so characteristic of the species, is a good example: its black and white bands serve not only for visual recognition between individuals, but also play a part in the ritual fights in which the tail is coated with glandular secretions to intimidate the opponent.

The lemurs of Madagascar are threatened by deforestation, poaching, illegal trade and climate change. The destruction of their natural habitat and the introduction of invasive species make them all the more vulnerable. To protect them, organisations such as “Help Simus” work to preserve their habitats, support local communities and raise public awareness. These efforts aim to reverse the decline of lemur populations and to restore Madagascar’s ecosystems.