Story perspectives

Surge in Urban Lemur Trade Sparks Urgent Conservation Crisis

11/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

The urban trade in lemurs in Madagascar is rising, with over 10,000 animals sold across 17 cities.
Wealthier city-dwellers consume lemur meat for perceived health benefits, driving demand.
Experts Liliana Cortés Ortiz and Russell Mittermeier described the scale as shocking, urgent, and growing.
The study, published in Conservation Letters, underscores the need for immediate attention from international and governmental bodies to address urban lemur demand.

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Story summary

The urban trade in lemurs in Madagascar is rising, with over 10,000 animals sold across 17 cities.
Wealthier city-dwellers consume lemur meat for perceived health benefits, driving demand.
Experts Liliana Cortés Ortiz and Russell Mittermeier described the scale as shocking, urgent, and growing.
The study, published in Conservation Letters, underscores the need for immediate attention from international and governmental bodies to address urban lemur demand.