The Duke Lemur Center has unveiled a database of life history data on 3,600 animals representing 27 species of lemurs, lorises, and galagos. Scientists tracked all kinds of information about the tropical primates as they lived and died over 50 years, including information on growth, diet, behavior, offspring, and cause of death. Because lemurs are dying out due to habitat encroachment, Duke scientists say it is unlikely that a data set of this size will ever be recreated. The data set’s creators hope the information will help research institutions and zoos better care for these animals in captivity and help conservationists better protect them in the wild.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Amakukha
