(prolemur simus)
The Greater Bamboo Lemur is one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world. The entire population may be as low as 60 animals or possibly as high as 160. Scientists believed that it was extinct, but a remnant population was discovered in 1986. It is found in Ranomafana NP, Andringitra NP and from various unprotected forest fragments. Most of the former range is no longer suitable habitat due to this species' dietary specialization on bamboo and its microhabitat preferences. The outlook is dire since areas with critically low population numbers have no official protection, and comprise severely degraded habitat. Even in Ranomafana NP which offers maximum protection and conservation its numbers are decreasing. It had been suggested that the remaining populations should be relocated to Ranomafana NP but this cannot be done until it is understood why the resident population there is in decline.
Like the Golden Bamboo Lemur its diet is lethally high in cyanide. It is unknown how their metabolism deals with the cyanide found in the shoots. The typical daily dose would be enough to kill humans. These photos are of two animals which are the remnants of what was once a larger group. It is believed that they are father and daughter and it is considered unlikely that they will breed.