The conservation status of brown lemurs is partially due to their restricted geographical area. Their primary threat is habitat destruction. Habitat destruction is largely the result of the explosive growth rate of the human population of Madagascar. For red-fronted lemurs, the western habitats are largely at risk because of burning and clearing of land for pasture. This subspecies occurs in some protected areas of Madagascar and can be found in captivity in 22 zoos worldwide where approximately 100 individuals are held.
Forest destruction is the primary threat to the survival of common brown lemurs.
They are also hunted throughout much of their range. This subspecies is found in protected areas in Madagascar, and may be one of the lowest risk subspecies of brown lemur. Common brown lemurs have bred in captivity and there are currently about 140 animals at 40 institutions worldwide. This animal is also hunted for food throughout most of its range. Presently, it does exist in protected areas in Madagascar.