Lemurs On The Verge Of Extinction, Primate Is 'Collateral Damage' Of 2009 Political Crisis In Madagascar

Madagascar's lemur population has been in trouble ever since humans began altering their habitat 2,000 years ago. But conservationists say the fluffy, puppy-eyed primates, which are endemic to the African island nation, are particularly vulnerable to the threat of extinction following a 2009 military-led coup that hurled the country into political turmoil. The government overthrow drew criticism -- and a reduction in funding -- from the international community, resulting in fewer protections for...