Witney hope for Silky Sifaka (From Witney Gazette)

Witney hope for Silky Sifaka

2:26pm Friday 12th January 2007 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

A DANISH student living in Witney is appealing for funds to help save an endangered species of lemurs in Madagascar.

Mai Nielsen, pictured, of The Old Coachyard, Witney, needs to raise £2,500 to go to the island for two months in May.

She said: "The Silky Sifaka is one of the four most endangered lemurs in the world. Unfortunately, local people hunt this beautiful animal. The rumour is that high/middle class people provide local people with guns, so they can shoot the Sifaka for them. They then enjoy it as a picnic delicacy.

She added: "I will be going to the very north eastern corner of Madagascar in the search for villages where hunting takes place. As part of a conservation project to save the Silky Sifaka and other animals hunted by the people, I will investigate alternative ways of life for the local people, and set up recommendations for conservation education in local schools."

Ms Nielsen, 26, is studying for a Master in Wildlife Conservation at Oxford University.

She came to Witney five months ago to live with her boyfriend, Dean Jarvis, who is from Witney.

To offer sponsorship, call 01993 778466, or e-mail mai.strunge@gmail.com