Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. 107 lemur species call the island home -- most of them are native to the island.
But a leading primatologist, Jonah Ratsimbazafy, warns in CNN that 90% of Madagascar's lemurs "are on the verge of extinction," including 24 critically endangered lemur species because of climate change and human activities, including: slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging, mining, bamboo cutting and hunting. Madagascar's high rates of endemic plants and animals mean that even one lost hectare takes a dramatic toll on the environment -- Madagascar is currently losing 30,000 hectares of rainforest per year. At this unsustainable rate, the island's rainforest -- and lemur habitat -- "will cease to exist within the next 25 years." Primatologist Ratsimbazafy tells CNN, "Madagascar is now bleeding."
This is a critical time to save Madagascar's lemurs. And it could be the last time. If you don't want to picture a world without lemurs, sign and share this petition urging Madagascar to take this threat seriously, take preventive measures to protect its lemurs and to raise awareness (e.g. bring lemur education into the classroom) before it's too late.
Photo Credit: Tambako The Jaguar
