#700: Sifaka

To celebrate TWO YEARS of my Zootrophy, an Animal-a-day, project and to represent the #700th (actual/real) animal I have drawn as part of this project, I present to you an animal that has special significance to me:

The Sifaka are a Genus of lemurs, characterised by their long arms and shorter legs. Largely arboreal in nature, should a Sifaka need to travel along the ground, she moves with bipedal, sideways hops, using her forearms for balance. There are nine species, all of which are endangered, four critically. All favour a vegetarian diet and the eastern, rainforest, species dine on such a variety of plants that they cannot be successfully kept in captivity. This beautiful Silky Sifaka, and her black-furred cousin, the Perrier's, only survive in isolated  rainforest pockets, where seclusion has protected them from habitat destruction and hunting. The western, dry forest, species are more generalistic and have been succesfully bred in captivity.

The future of these rare and beautiful creatures is fragile. Madagascar is a country with unique fauna and flora, facing severe pressure from hunting, over-population and deforestation. Due to its poor economic status - it is one of the poorest countries in the world - it has also been exploited by other countries who have, and still are, pillaged it of natural wealth (ie: gemstones, rosewood). Climate change also brings with it additional challenges for the unique wildlife.

You have probably noticed that I, like many zoologists, have a fascination with Madagascar. The future of its wildlife lies not in zoos or other institutions - although they do play a major role - but in conservation and education. Now there are many projects working with the local people of the various regions to help them take responsibility for the survival of these species.

Heres's a link to how you can help: http://www.wildmadagascar.org/help.htm

Other Sifaka species featured in this blog:

Coquerel Sifaka (Endangered)
Crowned Sifaka (Endangered)
Diademed Sifaka (Critically Endangered)
Milne-Edwards Sifaka (Endangered)
Perrier Sifaka (Critically Endangered)

To come:
Verreaux Sifaka