AEECL has been carrying out a number of different field research projects in Madagascar since more than 10 years. Researchers financed by AEECL have been working on the taxonomy of lemur genera such as the bamboo lemurs (Hapalemur), the sportive lemurs (Lepilemur) and the sifakas (Propithecus) and are helping to clarify their systematics using cytogenetic methods (more information on research)

As our flagship project, AEECL is currently financing a long-term research programme on the Sclater's lemur, or as we prefer to name it, the blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur macaco flavifrons), one of Madagascar 's rarest lemurs. The charming lemur with its blue eyes is also the logo of the consortium. One of our priorities is the creation of a reserve for the blue-eyed black lemur on the Sahamalaza peninsula, on which AEECL has been working since a number of years.

The member zoos have furthermore initiated captive breeding programmes for the blue-eyed black lemur as well as for the crowned lemur (Eulemur coronatus) and the red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer) within the framework of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).