Lemurs are the world's most threatened group of mammals, with over 95% of species at risk of extinction. Zoo lemur populations contribute to conservation while requiring careful welfare management of diverse social systems.
Lemur welfare in captivity requires species-specific management reflecting the extraordinary diversity within this radiation. A ring-tailed lemur's welfare requirements differ profoundly from those of a aye-aye or a red ruffed lemur; generic primate welfare standards are insufficient. Social group composition must reflect natural social structure: forcing incompatible species or individuals together causes chronic stress and aggression. Temperature management is important for many species; lemurs from different altitudinal zones in Madagascar have different thermal tolerances. The conservation significance of zoo lemur collections is among the highest of any zoo taxon, given the catastrophic rate of Madagascar habitat loss and the near-impossibility of in-situ conservation in many areas.