We are grateful for El Paso Zoo’s support which is helping us make a lasting impact in this unique rainforest.

You may have heard of Madagascar before, but did you know it’s a biodiversity hotspot and most of its wildlife is only found there? Among its most well-known animal residents are lemurs. While most people associate the word lemur with ring-tailed lemurs, arguably Madagascar’s most iconic lemur species, there are actually 112 lemur species across five taxonomic families! Unfortunately, despite their incredible diversity, lemurs represent the most threatened mammal group on Earth, with 98% of lemur species considered threatened with extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Though much of Madagascar has been systematically explored, researchers have neglected a handful of mountainous tropical forests. One such locale is Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, a mid-to high-elevation tropical rainforest in northeast Madagascar, one of the largest continuous forest blocks remaining in all of Madagascar. This dense forest is home to at least 13 lemur species, three of which are listed as Critically Endangered, three Endangered, and six Vulnerable. Among the most charismatic species present are the indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, and the silky sifaka, one of the most endangered primates on the planet! Other notable lemur species include the northern bamboo lemur, hairy-eared dwarf lemur, and aye-aye. Moreover, it’s home to an astonishing array of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, and likely conceals species entirely new to science!

Earlier this year, with the financial support of El Paso Zoo, Wildlife Madagascar put boots on the ground and created a permanent presence within Anjanaharibe-Sud. Along with our local conservation program manager, Delaïd Rasamisoa, we quickly hired and trained local community members who understood the conservation value of this expansive forest and the biodiversity it harbors. The team began habituating and monitoring the indri and silky sifaka groups in the vicinity of the research camp, creating a presence that helps to deter illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and mining.

All of these are very real threats, so ensuring we have team members in the forest who are monitoring the wildlife is critical to safeguarding this wild and remote rainforest. Every day, they wake up before sunrise and hike into the steep mountain valleys, plucking off pesky leeches and ducking thorny vines… it’s exhausting work, but spending an entire day with this incredible and rare wildlife is worth it. The critical work that Wildlife Madagascar is doing in Anjanaharibe-Sud is just the beginning. By focusing on species conservation, habitat protection, and community engagement, we are making strides toward safeguarding Madagascar’s rich biodiversity.

Moving forward, Wildlife Madagascar will expand its efforts in line with its strategic plan, working closely with local communities on initiatives including reforestation, sustainable agricultural training, and conservation education. These projects will not only help restore critical habitat for threatened species but also provide local people with tools to improve their livelihoods while reducing the pressure on this fragile ecosystem.

Zoo Education Connection to Madagascar

Here at the Zoo we have three species of wildlife from Madagascar – our Madagascar hognose snake, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and the radiated tortoise. All three species are ambassadors for conservation for their species and all wildlife on this very special Island in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of South Africa.

Photos courtesy Wildlife Madagascar