Overview

Although Madagascar represents less than 7% of the land mass of the most primate-rich country in the world, Brazil, this island nation ranks second in primate diversity, with 98 endemic species. Madagascar is also an ecologically fragile country where natural resources are eroding at an alarming rate. In 2012, the International Union for Conservation of Nature reported a dramatic increase in the number of endangered species of Madagascar's native primates, the lemurs. With lemurs representing 15% of all known primate species and subspecies--20% of genera and 36% of families--the responsibility of the country in terms of conservation is tremendous. This French-language book summarizes the available data on the ecology, behavior, distribution, and conservation status of all 102 known species and subspecies of lemur. Early chapters also present an overview of the island's geological history, trace the arrival of lemurs, describe extinct species, and offer details on their discovery, current study, and specific conservation issues; while the appendices contain many maps showing the topography of the island, its biogeographic regions, and plant areas, as well as a list of places where lemurs can be seen in their natural habitat and an extensive bibliography. Richly illustrated throughout and featuring a user-friendly design with quick-reference color-coded page edges for each of the five extant lemur families, this guide will both encourage further research and be an invaluable aid to eco-tourists and amateur primatologists seeking to identify lemurs in nature.

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9782856537473

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Russell A. Mittermeir is a former president and current executive vice chair of Conservation International as well as an honorary member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and chair of its primate specialists group.

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