Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Lemurs Face Extinction Due to Rising Meat Trade
Lemurs, those cute primates with big eyes and bushy tails from Madagascar, are in big trouble.
Over 90% of their species are at risk of disappearing forever.
People are hunting and eating them, especially in cities.
A recent study found that around 13,000 lemurs are killed for meat every year.
Most of this happens in secret, but some restaurants also serve lemur meat as a fancy dish.
Researchers are worried that if nothing is done, lemurs could be eaten into extinction.
They suggest stronger laws, teaching people about the dangers, and giving hunters other ways to make money.
Over 90% of lemur species in Madagascar are at risk of extinction, with 13,000 lemurs killed annually for meat.
A four-year study revealed that lemur meat is consumed in over one-third of the cities surveyed, often seen as a delicacy.
94.5% of the lemur meat trade occurs in secret, while 5.5% is sold in restaurants, catering to affluent customers.
Researchers emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of firearm laws, awareness campaigns, and alternative income sources for hunters.
Brown lemurs and ruffed lemurs are the most hunted species due to their availability and perceived unique taste.
- Who
- Researchers from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and local communities in Madagascar
- What
- A study on the hidden lemur meat trade in Madagascar
- When
- The study was conducted from 2022 to 2025
- Where
- Madagascar, across 17 cities
- Why
- To understand the impact of lemur hunting and consumption on their population and to find solutions to mitigate this threat
- Species at Risk
- 90% of 112 lemur species
- Annual Lemur Deaths
- 13,000
- Study Duration
- 2022-2025
- Participants
- 2,600 people
- Cities Surveyed
- 17
- Secret Trade Percentage
- 94.5%
- Restaurant Sales Percentage
- 5.5%