Black and White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata)

The Black and white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata) has a distribution range from lowland to mid-altitude rain forests in eastern Madagascar and is being risk assessed by the Department.

The Black and white ruffed lemur is not considered a pest species in any country or region.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “low” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.

The risk assessment determined the Black and white ruffed lemur as not dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk and with a low consequence of establishment.  It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a moderate threat category.

Following the initial risk assessment, the Department will consider permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘moderate risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied. 

Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with keeping Black and white ruffed lemur could include:

  1. Limit importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure that holding facilities meet the stringent keeping standards that apply to all such institutions in Tasmania;
  2. Require any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Black and white ruffed lemur Species Management Plan (including enclosure details) prior to receiving individuals; and
  3. Require wildlife exhibition facility licence holders to clearly demonstrate that they have proficient keepers for the species.



Contact

Wildlife Management - Exhibition

GPO Box 44,
Hobart, TAS, 7001.