Lemurs in Madagascar are threatened with extinction, eaten by rich people

A new study published in the journal Conservation Letters, highlighted by the New York Times, reveals an alarming trend. Lemurs, primates that live exclusively in Madagascar, are being consumed in large numbers by wealthier urban dwellers.

The research, which included interviews with more than 2,600 sellers, hunters, and buyers, shows that more than 10,000 lemurs were sold in 17 cities in just four years. Their meat is considered 'clean', tasty and medicinal - although this claim lacks a scientific basis.

Unlike hunting in poor areas, hunger is not the motivation in this case. It is a luxury food and a symbol of social status. Lemur meat sells for up to three times more than beef. Larger species, especially brown and tailed lemurs, are the most commonly consumed.

Although Madagascar banned lemur hunting 60 years ago, no one was convicted of the crime last year or this year. Experts are therefore calling for stricter enforcement of laws, education about the risks of consuming wild animals and restricting access to ammunition.

Lemur populations are fast approaching extinction. The animals are not only a major tourist attraction, but also important seed dispersers and pollinators in the island state's forests.

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