Sleepy Lemur Project
Working Together for the Survival of Nocturnal Lemurs
Mission
The Lemurs of Madagascar are a widely diverse group of Strepsirrhine primates, numbering at least 107 distinct species and 113 total unique taxa,
all of which are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar.
While many of the most famous lemurs are large and charismatic diurnal species, diurnal lemurs make up less than 1/3 of all lemur species.
Of the 76 known nocturnal lemur species, very few have ever been studied extensively, with many that have never been studied at all.
53 nocturnal lemur species are "Endangered"
16 of those are "Critically Endangered"
5 additional species are "Data Deficient"/have not been evaluated
Of the 8 Genera of nocturnal lemurs, only 3 genera (composed of 6 total species: 4 Microcebus, 1 Cheirogaleus, 1 Daubentonia)
are currently represented in captivity - the others have never been housed successfully.
Our goal is to change these numbers for the better.
We aim to work in accordance with the IUCN Lemur Action Plan to further the study of nocturnal lemurs, broaden our collective knowledge and understanding of nocturnal lemur taxa, and prepare facilities to begin introducing new lemur genera into captivity for ex-situ conservation.
We are seeking fellow experts in the fields of Primatology and Conservation who would like to join us in pursuit of these goals.
Please follow along as we work toward a better future for Madagascar's "Sleepy Lemurs"!
Project Goals
Expand Research
Further our understanding of the under-represented nocturnal lemur genera, including focuses on their:
Daily Behavior
Social Behavior
Diet
Reproduction
Ecology
Increase In-Situ Conservation Efforts
Develop and strengthen Strengthen conservation efforts and protected areas for nocturnal lemur species, establishing new protected areas as necessary.
Assist and empower Malagasy people to help with the protection of their native wildlife.
Develop Husbandry Protocols
During forest cage trials, data will be collected on matters such as:
Nutritional composition of wild dietary items & introduction of potential supplementary items
Habitat needs and limitations
Social needs and limitations
Species suitability and safety for potential ex-situ transfers
Open Ex-Situ Facility
Determine ideal location for the development of a captive management facility specialized toward nocturnal lemurs.
Facility will have free-ranging habitats, public tour exhibits on reversed day/night cycles, guest and researcher accommodations, as well as areas to facilitate outreach and education programs.