In Madagascar, Six Lemurs Are Among The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates

In Madagascar, Six Lemurs Are Among The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates

I met up with an old digital friend today, Dr. Patricia Wright who was featured on the Turkana Basin Institute website, referenced for her work in Madagascar on saving lemurs. Specifically, Dr. Wright was named a Natural World Hero by Natural World Safaris, organizing informed, wildlife adventures worldwide.

Madagascar is the world's fourth largest island, located in the Indian Ocean about 1400 miles southeast from Nairobi, or a 3 1/2 hr. plane flight. Having developed largely in isolation, Madagascar is known as one of the world's richest ecosystems. After gaining independence from France in 1960, Madagascar has fallen victim to repeated political instability, several coups including one in 2009, disputed elections and widespread violence.

Once a great source of paddy rice, coffee, vanilla and cloves -- and tourism -- Madagascar is among the poorest countries in the world and is highly dependent on foreign aid. Young girls on the island are pressed into having sex with men young and old, and their lives are severely impacted by the Trump administration's abandonment of US AID support for birth control. 

As for the lemurs and Dr. Patricia Wright, who we last wrote about in 2014, their fortunes seem worse than ever. A new report released in November 2017 by the world's greatest experts on primates focused on the plight of 25 of the Earth's most endangered primate species.

Renewed Belief that Animals 'Rafted' to Madagascar

GreenTracker| Scientists believe that new computer models reinforce their argument that the diverse species of Madagascar ‘rafter’ there from southeastern Africa, being swept out to sea on large logs or floating carpets of vegetation during storms.

Scientists now think that the ‘rafting’ theory makes more sense than a land bridge theory, as computers models suggest that ocean currents and prevailing winds around Madagascar were more favorable 50 million years ago. Via National Geographic

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