A.E.E.C.L The Lemur Conservation Association

AEECL is a charitable NGO run by a consortium of 30 European zoos, working for Madagascar’s highly endangered lemurs, through cooperation with the Malagasy people.

The Sahamalaza region has been in AEECL’s focus of scientific and conservation interest since 1988. The critically endangered blue-eyed black, or Sclater’s, lemur is endemic to this part of Madagascar, and has been selected by AEECL as the flagship species for all conservation efforts concerning the region.

The AEECL aims to protect the habitat and ecosystems within the Sahamalaza peninsula, monitor and increase lemur populations and be a strong conservation ambassador for the area. A vital part of the work of the AEECL is to monitor the lemur numbers and research the local ecosystems to have a better understanding of the pressures faced by these habitats.

Colchester Zoo’s Action for the Wild has donated £21,772.90 to AEECL since 2004. In 2023, we will be making an additional contribution of €2,000 to this important project.

Local villagers are employed as Research Assistants who are all trained to use GPS tracking devices and record lemur numbers, behaviours and patterns.

The AEECL believes that supporting the local communities is vital to ensuring the future for the wildlife and forests of the Sahamalaza peninsula and a good proportion of staff time and funds are utilised to improve the education system of the communities local to their work.

To build greater bonds with the local villages, the AEECL look to support people in their everyday lives. This has involved such projects as building new wells for fresh water, providing solar energy panels, increasing employment opportunities, supporting tree nurseries for reforestation work and improving agricultural techniques.