We’re pleased to share the August 2026 issue of the Duke Lemur Center’s Madagascar Programs Update. DLC Conservation Update, August 2026 Dear valued friend and supporter, The last few months have been incredibly productive, and synthesizing all our activities for this update has been especially meaningful to me because the outcomes are becoming increasingly tangible. […]
First record of an adult female ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) making a male-specific howl vocalization New research published on July 14 in Primates (2026) features data collected here at the Duke Lemur Center! Dr. Lisa Paciulli and her team discovered that female ring-tailed lemur Tellus, who lived at the DLC with companion Licinius, produced a […]
Successful Inauguration of a New Protected Area: The Ambanitaza Biocultural Landscape Community-led Conservation for Long-term Stewardship James Herrera, DLC Director of Conservation On July 9, 2026, the new protected area, Ambanitaza, was inaugurated after four years of planning, fieldwork, and deliberations. Almost 1,000 attendees celebrated this grassroots initiative. The protected area contributes to a worldwide […]
On May 29, experienced mom Sierra Mist gave birth to a healthy baby boy! This infant joins a close-knit family of five with mom, dad Licinius, and older brother and sister Meriadoc and Eowyn. Two-year-old Eowyn has been particularly interested in her new baby brother, spending lots of time cuddling up with mom and grooming […]
This summer [June 2026], the Duke University Office of Climate and Sustainability welcomed the Duke Lemur Center as part of its integrated unit—six teams working across the university to build a strong future. Duke University recently was awarded $4.4 million from The Duke Endowment for DLC support, including a newly created academic director position. Primatologist and Duke […]
At Duke and beyond, caring for land is helping people recover, connect and move forward. By Christina Holder. Originally published in Duke Mag on March 26, 2026. Deep within the heart of the Duke Lemur Center’s vast campus, you’ll find a small patch of land speckled with fruit trees and vegetables. This is the secret […]
By James Herrera, Ph.D., DLC Director of Conservation. Posted June 26, 2026. On the 26th of June in 1960, Madagascar officially gained its independence from its colonizer, France. The struggle for independence has a long history that continues to shape the country today. In 1896, France officially annexed Madagascar. Colonial rule imposed major political, economic, […]
Meet Lanitra! We’re so excited to announce our SECOND critically endangered blue-eyed black lemur infant of the year! On April 1, 2026, blue-eyed black lemur Malala celebrated her fifth birthday AND gave birth to her first daughter! Lanitra was born to first-time parents Malala and Brady at a healthy 83 grams, which is just about […]