The Anna Borruel Codina Center for Lemur Medicine and Research is equipped with two hibernation rooms, called hibernacula, that allow husbandry and research staff to mimic the natural conditions that modulate hibernation in the wild. Doing this, we’re able to replicate, to a degree, the dwarf lemurs’ experiences in Madagascar and gain insight into how this incredible survival technique works.
In addition to studying dwarf lemurs under more controlled conditions at the DLC, we also study dwarf lemurs in different natural environments in Madagascar, including our new research station at Anjajavy Reserve.
Whereas we expect research from Madagascar to shed light into the long-term effect of habitat disturbance (such as forest fragmentation) on dwarf lemurs’ ability to hibernate and rely on alternative food sources, research at the DLC can elucidate the underlying mechanisms of hibernation and how different conditions can modulate its expression. This can have major implications for everything from biomedicine to space travel.
The Duke Lemur Center does NOT allow any research that will harm the animals. Learn more about our research philosophy and programs on our Research Overview page.
Posted December 10, 2025.