How you can help... 

While the situation may seem desperate, there are many ways you can help!  

RECYLE: 

How can recycling in the US help lemurs in Madagascar?  Decreasing your environmental impact by recycling, using less fuel, using less water, and using locally farmed plant and animal products helps to reduce human pollution.  This is important for endangered species everywhere because it contributes to a healthy planet.  Global warming affects everyone, including the lemurs of Madagascar!  With their fragmented population sizes, an increased risk of natural disasters due to Global warming only puts them in more danger.   

BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER: 

Know where the wood you buy is coming from.  The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accredits independent third party organizations that certify forest production.  Use your dollars to vote against illegally farmed wood and only purchase ecologically friendly products.  Other paper products like toilet tissue, paper towels, and notebook paper also have ecologically certified options that lessen your environmental impact.  

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS HELPING MADAGASCAR: 

For example, the Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG) is an international consortium of zoos and related institutions joined together to improve the situation in Madagascar.  The MFG has staff inside and outside of Madagascar working to educate the Malagasy about lemurs and other Malagasy animals as well as how to practice more sustainable agricultural methods.  MFG staff also facilitates conservation research in Betampona Reserve (Strict Nature Reserve).  Please visit the MFG website to learn more about what they do and how you can help.  www.savethelemur.org. 

VOLUNTEER: 

Visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)  website www.aza.org to find a zoo near you.  Helping zoos also helps to maintain a healthy captive population of lemurs.  One day, captive individuals may be able to genetically replenish the wild populations through reintroduction.  Zoo lemurs are also an important tool for teaching the public about Madagascar conservation and are a great way to organize individuals interested in assisting the same cause.