Why lemurs live in Madagascar

Unique lemurs of Madagascar

Madagascar, located about 400 kilometers off the southeastern coast of Africa, is renowned for its unique natural diversity. The landscape ranges from beautiful beaches to mountainous rivers and deserts. The island has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from December to April and a dry season from May to November.

A hallmark of the island is the lemurs - primates that inhabit only Madagascar. Currently, there are 88 species of these animals, all characterized by small bodies, long noses, and large eyes. Lemurs typically lead a nocturnal lifestyle, feeding on insects and plants. They also live in groups, with females holding dominant positions.

These animals first appeared around 55 million years ago but have survived only on Madagascar, becoming a symbol of its unique nature.

Evolution of lemurs

Madagascar was once part of a supercontinent that included Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, India, and the island itself. Lemurs may have already been on the island when it separated from Africa, but it is more likely that they arrived by floating on large mats of vegetation.

Once isolated from other primates, lemurs became reproductively isolated and were able to thrive without competition from monkeys and apes. They only competed among themselves for food, leading to the evolution of many species. In contrast, lemurs on the African continent did not survive due to competition with other primates.

However, the situation changed when the first humans arrived on the island from Malaysia and Indonesia around 2000 years ago. These people began hunting lemurs, leading to the extinction of many species.

By the time Europeans arrived in Madagascar in the 1500s, 15 lemur species had already gone extinct. Today, all lemurs are listed in the Red Book as endangered species due to hunting and habitat destruction.

Lemurs of Madagascar today

Lemurs inhabit various ecosystems in Madagascar, with sizes ranging from the 25-gram mouse lemur to the 6-9-kilogram indri.

Currently, there are 88 lemur species living in Madagascar, and researchers believe that 10-20 new species may still be discovered. Lemurs are also found on the nearby Comoros Islands, likely introduced there by humans.

Madagascar is home to 21% of all primate genera and 36% of all primate families, making it crucial for the conservation of these animals. However, 80% of the island's forests have been destroyed due to logging and agriculture.

The economic challenges faced by Madagascar (with an average income of around $200 per person) mean that the needs of people often take precedence over conservation efforts. Nevertheless, there are initiatives in place to protect lemurs and their habitats, which may also benefit local communities.

The diverse nature of Madagascar is making ecotourism increasingly popular, which can aid in the preservation of lemurs. Additionally, studying these unique animals can provide insights into our primate past, as they are less related to humans than monkeys and resemble ancient primates.

You can also read about which animals have extraordinary tongues and what makes them special.

Sources used in the preparation of this article include Animals HowStuffWorks, National Geographic, and Wild Madagascar.