There is only one place in the world where lemurs can be found—the island of Madagascar—but encroaching agriculture and bushmeat hunting threaten their survival. Located off the southeastern coast of Africa, this refuge is the last place on Earth where these closely knit families of primates exist. Two of the largest living lemurs, the Critically Endangered Diademed Sifaka and Indri stand no taller than 28 inches in height.

The Diademed Sifaka (CR) is the second-largest lemur in Madagascar. This diminutive primate leaps from tree to tree at speeds close to 18mph. With only 12 individuals recently documented in this area, there is no time to waste in strengthening protections for this animal’s survival.

Monogamous and vocal, the Indri (CR), also called the babakoto, spends its life in the treetops. The largest lemur on the island, it is the only known mammal besides humans to use rhythm in its vocalizations. The Indri’s declining population was estimated to be approximately 73 individuals in a 2019 survey.

Rainforest Trust, and our local partner, L’Homme et l’Environnement, are working to protect the 3,867-acre Vohimana Experimental Reserve and elevate it to the status of National Protected Area. This designation will provide the highest level of conservation protection possible in Madagascar and link four critical forest areas. Because of its geographic isolation, Madagascar is also home to many rare animals who exist nowhere else on Earth.

Header photo:  One of the largest living lemurs, a Diademed Sifaka, by Michael Sale

Build a Mosaic of Vital Habitat

At the core of the Vohimana Reserve is a 1,500-acre treasure of intact primary forest where threatened species survive in a richly biodiverse, mid-altitude environment. In addition to being a stronghold for lemurs from surrounding threats, it is also one of the richest places on Earth for endemic amphibians. More than 70 species are found within its borders.

Madagascar is well known as an island brimming with restricted-range, endemic species. The Vohimana Reserve provides key connecting habitat at the heart of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor, a large protected forest that stretches across one million acres of the island’s eastern coast.

Support a Community-based Solution

Protecting this region is critical for many reasons. Not only does it provide vital refuge for lemurs and other threatened species, it is a major source of water for a large expanse of Madagascar.

Nearby community members are actively involved in reserve planning and will be essential to developing ecotourism in the area. They will also be employed as forest guards to increase the number of patrols in this new park.

With the increased protection afforded by National Protected Area status and the support of the surrounding community, the rare lemurs—and all species who call Vohimana home—have a chance to survive and thrive.