Supporting Community-Led Lemur Conservation in Madagascar

Trentham Monkey Forest is proud to support a new conservation research project through the Primate Society of Great Britain focused on understanding the relationship between local communities and lemurs in northwest Madagascar.

The project, led by Linus Coppersthwaite from Oxford Brookes University, will take place in communities surrounding Namoroka National Park during 2026.

Madagascar is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, including many lemur species found nowhere else on Earth. However, habitat loss, forest fragmentation, fires and hunting continue to threaten these populations. Several of the species involved in this study are classified as endangered or critically endangered, including the Van der Decken’s sifaka and the aye-aye.

What makes this project especially important is its focus on culture and community knowledge. In many parts of Madagascar, traditional beliefs and taboos known as “fady” influence how people interact with wildlife. Some species are protected through ancestral beliefs, while others may be feared or misunderstood.

The research will work closely with local communities to better understand these relationships and how they shape conservation outcomes. Through interviews and discussions with residents living around Namoroka National Park, the project aims to document stories, beliefs and ecological knowledge connected to lemurs.

By understanding which species are culturally protected and how local traditions influence attitudes towards wildlife, conservation organisations can develop more community-informed approaches that are respectful of local heritage and more effective in the long term.

The findings will also support local ecotourism initiatives. Wildlife Madagascar, a community conservation organisation working in the region, is collaborating on the project alongside Madagascar Classic Collection. Together, they hope the research will help strengthen sustainable tourism and create greater awareness of the cultural significance of lemurs.

As part of the project, local collaboration is a priority. Malagasy students, translators and community members will all play an active role in the research process. This approach helps ensure that conservation is shaped by local voices and grounded in the realities of the communities living alongside wildlife.

At Trentham Monkey Forest, we believe conservation works best when local communities are involved and supported. Projects like this help build a deeper understanding of both wildlife and the people who share their environment, creating stronger foundations for protecting endangered species into the future.