Initiative
SOS Lemurs
Launched in 2017, SOS Lemurs’ objective is to support lemur conservation, particularly through the implementation of the IUCN/SSC Lemur Conservation Strategy. Expected to run until 2029, it is the only initiative dedicated to lemur conservation in the world.
Madagascar is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, with a rich diversity of primate species. Unfortunately, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, 94% of all 112 known lemur species are threatened with extinction, and almost a third (31%) are now Critically Endangered – just one step away from extinction. The main threats to lemurs include hunting for food and the pet trade, as well as habitat destruction caused by slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging and fires. Combined, these pressures havemade lemurs one of the most threatened mammal groups on Earth.
This is why, to achieve maximum impact, the SOS Lemurs initiative is aligned with the recommendations and priorities for lemur conservation, as presented in the document published by the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group: Lemurs of Madagascar – A strategy for their conservation 2013-2016.
Phase I (2017–2023): building a strong foundation
Implemented in two different phases, Phase I projects (2017-2023) contributed to the protection of 63 lemur species across 49 projects over the course of six and a half years. Several projects reported notable increases in species populations, restored and improved forest habitats and strengthened food availability for local communities.
Read the SOS Lemurs 2017-2023 Impact Report in English / French / Malagasy
Phase II (2023–2029): scaling up impact
Building on this foundation, Phase II of SOS Lemurs (2023–2029) is expanding both the scale and ambition of conservation action. In early 2025, SOS Lemurs launched 11 new large-grant projects, strengthening long-term conservation efforts across priority landscapes.
A second call for proposals in May 2025 further expanded opportunities for Malagasy civil society organisations to design locally led conservation solutions. Through this call, around twelve additional projects are expected to begin by early 2026, reinforcing national conservation capacity and community ownership.
What SOS Lemurs aims to achieve
The ultimate goal of SOS Lemurs is to provide small to medium size grants to civil society organisations in order to:
- Ensure key lemur populations across key sites are secured;
- Empower relevant communities with skills and livelihood options to help them coexist with lemurs;
- Help local conservation actors/NGOs develop their long-term development goals through knowledge sharing and financial support.
SOS Lemurs contributes directly to the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) by advancing key global targets through action on the ground. The initiative supports Target 1 by reducing pressures on lemur habitats through improved land-use planning and community stewardship; Target 2 through forest restoration and improved ecosystem integrity; Target 3 by strengthening protection of priority conservation areas; Target 4 by preventing the extinction of lemur species and supporting their recovery through targeted species conservation action, threat mitigation, and population monitoring; Target 5 by addressing unsustainable use of wildlife; and Target 19 by mobilising and channelling finance to locally led conservation organisations. Together, these efforts help halt lemur extinctions while delivering equitable outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
In 2022, the first phase of SOS Lemurs underwent an independent evaluation to assess the overall performance of the initiative. It concluded that the initiative was very successful, with simple grant-making procedures and accessible to many NGOs, including small entities from civil society. Click here to read the full evaluation summary.
The SOS Lemurs conservation initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Fondation Hans Wilsdorf.
