Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List states that the red ruffed lemur is endangered. Logging, burning of habitat, mining, hunting, and the illegal pet trade are primary threats. They also have natural predators such as boa constrictors, eagles, and the fossa. The creation of the Masoala National Park in 1997 has helped protect this species, but many red ruffed lemurs do not live within the park's boundaries, and are still at high risk.
The exact status of the red ruffed lemur in the wild is not fully known, but recent studies show that they are endangered with a declining wild population. The captive population of red ruffed lemurs stands at 591 animals. The population of red ruffed lemurs is directed by a Species Survival Plan. Several of these zoos work with each other in breeding and caring for the captive population. To prevent inbreeding, wild caught animals have been introduced to the captive breeding program.
Read more about this topic: Red Ruffed Lemur
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