The article 'Ring-tailed lemurs down by 95%? Maybe not' includes some truly concerning
statements, which do not appear to be in line with conservation philosophy or Mongabay’s
mission. We will address these points here and note that a separate published response will
follow Murphy et al.’s critique of our research. The disconcerting statements include Ferguson’s
suggestions that scientific surveys are not necessary or useful for ring-tailed lemur population
estimations, and that no conservation funding should be allocated to this species, in addition to
Mongabay’s failure to pick up on the inconsistent nature of Ferguson’s arguments or comment
on his sentiments, which are not consistent with the conservation of endangered species.
Disagreements with Murphy et al./Ferguson:
Scientific surveys are not useful or appropriate for assessing populations of ring-tailed lemurs.
• Several researchers have in fact conducted these types of censuses over the last three
decades. This provides evidence that surveys are feasible and useful. Additionally,
earlier data provide baselines with which to scientifically compare population declines.
• Statistical models are employed to account for imperfect detection associated with
distance sampling. These methods are extremely well-established, widely used by
ecologists, and effective on even cryptic species, such as small birds, reptiles and
nocturnal mammals. Ring-tailed lemurs are a fairly large-bodied (~2.2 kg), vocal and
group-living species, and thus are not inherently difficult to detect, in contrast to
Ferguson's suggestion that they are. Furthermore, IUCN Red -List committees decide
upon the conservation status of species largely based on numerical and empirical
population data derived from surveys and censuses, and such on-the-ground data prove
extremely useful when making conservation status assignments.
Zero conservation funding should be allocated to ring-tailed lemur conservation.
• Ring-tailed lemurs listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List since 2012. Their habitats
and populations have decreased significantly in recent years. They are an iconic species
and play important ecological roles in their habitats. Suggesting that an entire emblematic
species should receive no further conservation funding is not at all consistent with
conservation philosophy, and does a great disservice to conservation planning.
Disagreements with Mongabay’s coverage:
Logical flaws in argument not noted
Though Murphy et al. suggest they agree ring-tailed lemurs should be protected and more
information is needed to understand and stem their decline, Ferguson states that surveys are not
necessary or needed and suggests that species other than ring-tailed lemurs should be conserved.
Inconsistencies in these authors’ arguments should have been clarified prior to publication, or
pointed out for the casual reader who may not pick up on the logical flaws.
Closing with quote not in line with preservation of threatened species
By closing with and not commenting on Ferguson’s opinion that no conservation resources
should be allocated to ring-tailed lemurs, Mongabay has implied that this is fact. Ring-tailed
lemurs are an IUCN Red List Endangered species and worthy of conservation effort, regardless
of Mr. Ferguson’s opinions.
Sincerely,
Marni LaFleur, Lisa Gould, and Michelle Sauther