Why Do Lemurs Face Extinction?

Lemurs are a type of primate that are native to Madagascar. There are many different species of lemurs and they are all endangered. There are several reasons why lemurs are facing extinction; lemurs are being put at risk by deforestation, hunting, and climate change (Dunham et al., 2008). Deforestation in Madagascar is especially significant in affecting lemurs. Deforestation leads to habitat loss and habitat fragmentation, which may have negative consequences for lemurs (Craul et al., 2009). Lemurs are threatened by hunting because they are a food source for locals. There have been efforts by the government in Madagascar to combat the effects of hunting on lemurs (Craul et al., 2009). Climate change is an interesting threat to lemurs. The
Deforestation, hunting, and climate change are responsible for this threat. Deforestation of the Madagascar rainforest is reducing the amount of habitable area and fragmenting what remains. Hunting of lemurs is a threat, but the quantification of this threat is unclear and it will most likely remain unquantified. Climate change is a threat, but more analysis is required to clearly determine the degree of effect. It is disturbing temperatures, rainfall patterns, and global climate cycles. The combination of these threats has led to a variety of challenges that lemur population’s face. The fragmentation of habitat is reducing genetic diversity in lemur populations. The effects of climate change are impacting the overall health of lemur populations and affecting reproduction rates. Considering the effects that these threats have on lemur populations is important for conservation. Conservationists can use the data and analysis to decide on the most effective conservation strategies. There is no clear indication of what the future might hold for lemurs, but a study done on Propithecus edwardsi determined this species will not face extinction in 100 years (Dunham et al., 2008). This is good news, but cannot be used to generalize the future of lemurs. Lemurs are a diverse group of mammals and their conservation is important for biodiversity in