Lemurs

Lemurs are probably Madagascar's most charismatic inhabitants. Once found throughout Africa, they were eventually replaced by newer forms of primate; Madagascar remained a safe haven for the ancestors of today's lemurs because its landmass – originally connected to the rest of the African continent – had already become isolated; consequently, its wildlife was immune to the spread of newer terrestrial species.

Now found nowhere else on Earth, it is crucial to their survival and to that to the ecosystems they are part of that conservation measures on the island continue, increase, and intensify, in such a way that local peoples can also benefit and continue development.

This is not as impossible a task as it may sound – already action is being taken in the form of conservation projects that are based on local and international cooperation. However, there is still much to be learned about the ecology of the island's elusive inhabitants, so in order to find a long-term solution, more information is needed, and so more research must be carried out.

Lemurs are part of the most ancient group of primates alive today, the strepsirhines, along with lorises, pottos, and bush-babies.

There are several species of lemur – about 71 so far recognised – living on the island today, that range in size from that of a small person's palm to that of a large cat, although – prior to human arrival on the island – the group boasted of a species who's members were as large as gorillas!