4. Silky Sifafka
This species of lemur only lives on the island of Madagascar in the northeastern rainforests. Its population is very small and it is hunted by some local people for meat. It is one of the most endangered primates in the world. The silky sifafka has never been bred in captivity, meaning if it is killed entirely in the wild, it most likely can’t be kept alive in a captive breeding program or zoo.
Unfortunately, the species has a low birth rate. Compounding matters, political turmoil has disrupted normal operations at one of the sites where they live. The Marojejy park has closed to tourism because of unsafe conditions created by armed thugs stealing very valuable hardwoods.
Population: approximately 100 – 1000
Reproduction: generally females birth one infant every two years, but there are cases of a female birthing one infant per year.
What Can I Do?
Contact Erik Patel of Cornell University and ask him what you can do. Show this silky lemur documentary to students when it is available. Visit the lemur park when it is safe to do so, and don’t forget about Madagascar during the political upheaval, as the Marojejy park website says, “While you might not be able to visit some of these beautiful areas right now, we hope you will not forget them, and that you will continue to work for their preservation.” Image Credit: Public Domain
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Posted by E.J. on Sunday, April 19th, 2009 at 10:04:06
Posted in Environment, World
Tags: Amur, Andalucia, animals, antelope, biodiversity, Cameroon, cetacean, China, conservation, Dagestan, EcoWorldly, extinction, frog, gorilla, Java, leopard, lynx, Mexico, Nigeria, rhino, Russian, Saiga, Silky Sifafka, Spanish, Sumatra, tiger, traditional chinese medicine, USA, vaquita, Vietnam
