A habitat stronghold on the precipice: A call‐to‐action for supporting lemur conservation in northeast Madagascar

The northeast of Madagascar is as diverse as it is threatened. The area bordering the Analanjirofo and SAVA regions contains six protected areas and at least 22 lemur species. Many applied research and conservation programs have been established in the region with the aim of ensuring both wildlife and people thrive in the long term. While most of the remaining humid evergreen forest of northeast Madagascar is formally protected, the local human population depends heavily on the land, and unsustainable natural resource use threatens this biodiversity hotspot. Drawing from our collective experiences managing conservation activities and research programs in northeast Madagascar, we discuss the major threats to the region and advocate for eight conservation activities that help reduce threats and protect the environment, providing specific examples from our own programs. These include (1) empowering local conservation actors, (2) ensuring effectively protected habitat, (3) expanding reforestation, (4) establishing and continuing long‐term research and monitoring, (5) reducing food insecurity, (6) supporting environmental education, (7) promoting sustainable livelihoods, and (8) expanding community health initiatives. Lastly, we provide a list of actions that individuals can take to join us in supporting and promoting lemur conservation. Silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus), a Critically Endangered primate endemic to northeast Madagascar. Research Highlights With at least 22 lemur species, six protected areas, and a growing, yet food insecure, human population, northeast Madagascar has its own set of conservation challenges. We propose and discuss eight conservation activities to help alleviate major threats in the region, providing examples from our own programs. Drawing on diverse training and backgrounds, our combined programs and activities are working to improve the coexistence and health of the environment, biodiversity, and people in northeast Madagascar.