Why are lemurs going extinct?

The destruction of the lemur's tropical forest habitat on the island of Madagascar is the most serious cause of the current threat of extinction to lemurs. Additionally, lemurs are being hunted for food, which may be a contributing factor in their decreasing population.

Just one-tenth of the island's original vegetation remains today, severely restricting the lemur's habitat. While Madagascar has laws in place designed to prevent the destruction of its tropical forests, the island's political instability has hampered efforts to stop illegal logging. Experts have called for increased conservation efforts in order to preserve the variety of lemur species on the island.