Lemurs Killed for Meat

The bushmeat trade is alive and well in Madagascar, no thanks to a recent coup. The absence of law and order has given poachers a window to kill lemurs and sell their meat to restaurant owners interested in serving new “delicacies.” It is suspected that the suspension of conservation aid is to blame for the killing spree of this threatened species, and Conservation International aims to garner awareness with the release of graphic photos of the smoked animals. Dr Russ Mittermeier, the president of Conservation International, fears that the poaching of lemurs will increase the demand for lemur meat and thus the illegal hunting of lemurs. The graphic photos are sure to stir those concerned into action to stop the slaughter.