Helpsimus - Lemur

Helpsimus is a French non-profit organization, founded in 2009, dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in Madagascar, with a particular focus on the protection of the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus).

The organization leads the "Bamboo Lemur" program, which combines scientific monitoring of the species, habitat protection, support for local communities, and funding for children's education in nearby villages.

Helpsimus operates in an area near Ranomafana National Park in southeastern Madagascar, where around 600 greater bamboo lemurs live. This area is not officially protected and is characterized by agricultural activities such as slash-and-burn farming and intensive bamboo exploitation.

To promote coexistence between people and lemurs, Helpsimus works closely with local communities. They support sustainable agricultural practices, the construction of schools, and the development of ecotourism. The organization has also established the "Simus School", a center dedicated to environmental education, located in the village of Sahofika.

Helpsimus collaborates with several international partners, including Palmyre Conservation and the Le PAL Nature Foundation, to strengthen their conservation efforts and ensure a sustainable future for greater bamboo lemurs and other endangered species in Madagascar.

Givskud Zoo Nature Foundation – One of the threats to the lemurs is that they enter and eat local crops. Therefore, the Givskud Zoo Nature Foundation supports research on the movements and locations of the lemurs and studies how much food a single lemur needs. Additionally, the foundation purchases land in the area to secure important bamboo forests for the lemurs.

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