RapportFondation_2026_V03 Pages LIGHT EN - Flipbook - Page 37
2025 REPORT
MADAGASCAR
Reintroducing the Red ru昀昀ed lemur
into the forests of Madagascar
AMOUNT COMMITED TO DATE: € 24.000
2022 > PRESENT
The Red ruffed lemur, an endemic species of north-eastern Madagascar, plays a vital role in the regeneration of the
humid tropical forests it inhabits. It contributes to both pollination and seed dispersal by feeding on fruit. However,
the species is under significant threat from habitat loss driven by agricultural expansion and forestry, as well as
from hunting for bushmeat. As a result, it is currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
In Madagascar, the Pairi Daiza Foundation supports a reintroduction programme led by Antongil Conservation,
the GERP (Madagascar Primate Study and Research Group) and Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine. The initiative aims
to reintroduce the Red ruffed lemur into the Farankaraina forest, from which it disappeared more than 50 years
ago. The first individuals were successfully reintroduced in 2018 and 2019, and have since been subject to
ongoing scientific monitoring. The project actively involves residents from the ten surrounding villages, and forest
management is structured into different zones to balance conservation, sustainable use, and local development.
Awareness-raising activities are also carried out to promote the protection of this emblematic species.
AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
ENSURE THE ONGOING SCIENTIFIC MONITORING OF THE RED RUFFED LEMURS ALREADY REINTRODUCED
TRANSLOCATE THE REMAINING INDIVIDUALS FROM A FOREST AREA WHERE THEY ARE AT RISK OF
DISAPPEARING TO THE FARANKARAINA FOREST
ENGAGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE PROTECTION OF THE RED RUFFED LEMUR AND ITS HABITAT
RECENT PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:
IN 2025, THREE RED RUFFED LEMURS, ONE FEMALE AND TWO MALES, WERE TRANSLOCATED
TO THE FARANKARAINA FOREST IN MADAGASCAR. THIS STRATEGIC INTERVENTION
STRENGTHENS THE WILD POPULATION OF THIS RARE LEMUR AT THE HEART OF ITS ANCESTRAL
HABITAT.
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