Although protected by law, black lemurs are sometimes poached for meat or are persecuted in some areas as a crop pest. Because all lemur species are endangered and captive habitat is limited, the Black Lemur Masterplan has suggested that this species be managed on a worldwide basis. Eulemur macaco flavifrons is the more rare subspecies and only a few individuals are found in North America at the Duke University Primate Center. Efforts through the SSP and the Madagascar Fauna Interest Group are working to increase the population to a self-sustaining level. Black lemurs are listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red Data Book.
Estimates indicate their numbers are in decline.
Research on the reproductive behavior and the physiology of captive black lemurs is underway. A field study by Josephine Andrews on the ecology of black lemurs in primary versus converted forest havitats is ongoing. Her plans include presenting slide talks to Malagasy school children and providing booklets and posters describing native wildlife. Information concerning the project and newsletters from Madagascar will be made available to North American and European zoos and schools interested in developing conservation education programs.