Varecia rubra Makira Natural Park
Image credit: Julie Larsen Maher
Project

Improving the Conservation Status of Three Critically Endangered Lemurs in Makira Natural Park

Initiative
Duration
2017 - 2019
Location
Madagascar
Species protected
Indri Indri indri
White-belted Ruffed Lemur Varecia variegata ssp. subcincta
Red-ruffed Lemur Varecia rubra

Project results

Overall the project aims to reduce by 30% the incidence of observed threats to the target species from hunting and slash and burn agriculture. Specifically, the project team expects that by the end of the project:

  • Some 30% of the project area is covered twice every three months by community law enforcement patrols involving 120 community rangers, and data on infractions related to lemur hunting or habitat destruction is used to prosecute offenders and identify sites where awareness raising is needed;

Threats

Habitat loss & degradation

Poaching

  • Some 400 square km of park boundaries in threat hotspots for lemurs are clearly visible and known by local communities and at least 8,000 people have increased awareness of the regulatory framework pertaining to lemur conservation and threats within the park;
  • Some 40 hectares of degraded forest corridor are restored and a physical link exists between each intact parcel of critical lemur habitat;
  • Livelihoods activities are implemented and adopted and have resulted in behaviour change in participating households. This includes providing 350 households with alternatives to destructive practices that threaten lemur habitat, and 880 households with the knowledge to carry out financial incentives for conservation.

This project is implemented by Wildlife Conservation Society.