Non-invasive Research at the Duke Lemur Center

Описание: Through non-invasive research, staff at the Duke Lemur Center learn how to better care for lemurs onsite and aid conservation efforts for wild lemurs in Madagascar.

Non-invasive research is research that does not harm the lemurs. Lemurs voluntarily participate in studies at the DLC, receiving food reward and enrichment in return for helping researchers gain valuable data. The DLC does NOT allow research that will harm the animals.

“It’s important to know what variables most affect lemurs’ reproductive health, social dynamics, food acquisition, and other things of that nature,” says the DLC’s Director of Research, Erin Ehmke, Ph.D. “By learning what most affects lemurs’ survival and reproduction, we can better focus our conservation efforts in Madagascar. And for our lemurs living here in Durham, we can focus our husbandry practices in ways that best accommodate lemurs’ dietary, social, and other needs.”

Data from certain studies may even be applicable to human health research, especially related to aging, Alzheimer's disease, and hibernation.

The DLC’s “do no harm” research program is dedicated to learning about these critically endangered species, and we're proud to prioritize the wellbeing of each individual and the conservation of species while also facilitating scientific advancement. Learn more at https://lemur.duke.edu/discover.