Appeal to save endagered lemurs is falling on deaf ears, say campaigners

Ian Johnston:  “Conservationists are on the brink of despair over the plight of the lemur after an international appeal for funds to help save the world’s most endangered primates fell on deaf ears.

“About 90 per cent of all lemur species – including the only other primate apart from humans to have blue eyes – are at risk of extinction on their native island of Madagascar.

“But a major appeal for nearly £5m launched in 2013 has since raised less than 20 per cent of the target and conservation groups have now launched a new international body designed to reinvigorate the campaign.”  Source: www.independent.co.uk

GR:  So numerous the natural world’s problems and so distracted the average sports/fashion/television fan, the great dying, as we name our time, continues unabated.  For those that care, the daily disasters are coming too fast.  If only more of us could turn from our appetites and fears to perceive the world around us; if only we could see other creatures as having value; if we could, we would redirect our national energies to saving our Earth, our home.  Please call out the places you find that enable public support for lemurs.

Why is so little attention paid to Madagascar and its incredible wildlife? | Alison Clausen

Madagascar is home to 5% of global biodiversity and the second highest number of threatened mammals in the world – yet even cartoon lemurs in the movie of the same name seem to receive more public attention and cash Type “Madagascar” into any… Source: www.theguardian.com.

 

News – IUCN Red List raises more red flags for threatened species

“Almost 80% of temperate slipper orchids and over 90% of lemurs are threatened with extinction, according to the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. The newly assessed Japanese Eel has been listed as Endangered, while the Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo – the mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup – remains Vulnerable as its population continues to decline.

“The IUCN Red List, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, now includes 73,686 assessed species, of which 22,103 are threatened with extinction.”

See on www.iucnredlist.org