The National Lemur Day is coming get ready

Madagascar's National Lemur Day is held every year on the last Friday of October, in alignment with the global World Lemur Day celebrations hosted by the Lemur Conservation Network throughout October. Organized initially by GERP and now officially overseen by the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, this event has grown into a major national and international awareness campaign.

Origins & Structure

• The celebration began in Antananarivo in 2014, led by Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy of GERP, to foster national pride and awareness about lemurs as a unique Malagasy heritage.

• GERP remains the operational lead, designing awareness activities, exhibitions, and community outreach, while the Ministry of the Environment provides official leadership and logistical support.

How It Is Celebrated

• Events are hosted across multiple regions—past celebrations have included Morondava (Menabe region), Ranomafana, Andapa‑SAVA region, and others—featuring exhibitions, school programs, tree planting, parades, environmental talks, and community workshops.

• The 2022 edition in Morondava included a theme of "Lemurs, unique national heritage! Let us protect their habitats", with carnivals, awareness workshops, and environmental action days.

Purpose & Vision

• The day encourages public education, cultural appreciation, and community-driven conservation of Madagascar’s lemur species.

• It highlights the critical status of lemurs—particularly in the context of habitat loss, hunting, and species endangerment—with up to 98% of lemur species threatened and 31% critically endangered.

• The campaign also links to digital outreach via platforms like the Madagascar Lemurs Portal, led by GERP in collaboration with FAPBM and Re:wild, to broaden engagement from scientists to the general public.

Why is it important?

National Lemur Day offers a platform to:

• Strengthen national identity around lemurs as flagship species.

• Encourage sustainable ecotourism and environmental education.

• Improve ecological stewardship through community-led conservation.

• Channel digital and field-based outreach through platforms like Madagascar Lemurs Portal.