Cultural shifts see increase in lemur hunting
18th December 2011
Rapid social change and a break down of traditional cultural taboos in Madagascar has resulted in an increased number of lemurs being hunted and killed for meat
For generations, the lemur has been revered in Malagasy folklore, as a protector, or in some cases a family ancestor. But these strong cultural beliefs, which have protected the species from hunting in the past, appear to no longer be enough. According to reports, the lemur is a victim of rapid social change, eroding cultural taboos and an increase in demand for meat.
A survey of local eating habits, by researchers from Bangor University in Wales and the Malagasy NGO Madagasikara Voakajy, found that the hunting of the endangered, protected species in eastern Madagascar was on the rise.
The survey studied the eating habits of 1,154 households, and found that although most people preferred not to eat bush meat, unavailability of domestic meat often made it the only available source of protein.
According to the survey, under 10% of meals consist of hunted animals, and just 0.5% contain meat from protected species, yet 95% of respondents still admitted to have eaten a protected species at some point.
When monitoring the village – to see how much bush meat was brought in – 233 carcasses of endangered indri (the largest species of lemur) were recorded.
Co-author of the study Dr Julia Jones says the level of hunting is a concern for conservation efforts; even if the animal is eaten rarely, the slow reproduction of the species puts it at a greater risk. Some lemur species do not reach maturity until they are nine years old, and only produce offspring every two or three years.
Conservationists say, the issue with tackling this increase lies in the fact that consumption of meat and protein is important for human nutrition. A recent study, which looked at the benefits of wildlife consumption on child nutrition, found that if access to bush meat was removed, the number of childhood anaemia cases could increase by a third.
All the primates being hunted for bush meat are unique to Madagascar, and many are endangered. There is also growing concern that if threatened wildlife species start disappearing it will affect tourism and international interest in the island.
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