One of the UK’s favourite zoo creatures could be driven to extinction by illegal black market traders selling them to wealthy clients as food, reports suggest. Lemurs have become a staple of zoos around the country and wildlife parks in London, Blackpool and the Peak District include walks through enclosures with ring-tailed lemurs and other species.

However, the wet-nosed primates are one of the most endangered species of mammals in the world, and illegal activities on their native island of Madagascar could further limit their chance of survival. While deforestation has previously played a primary role in their endangerment, a new trend of black market sellers touting the rejuvenating properties of their meat could pose a fresh critical threat.

Research published last month in the Conservation Letters journal reveals that approximately 13,000 lemurs are sold each year for food, despite being prohibited under both Madagascan and international law.

The journal identified sales to wealthy East Africans as a major driver behind the trend, with lemur meat reportedly considered a status indicator, a link to rural roots and a health food.

“It’s the most delicious of any food I’ve eaten,” one buyer said.

“I would know it even with my eyes closed. Once you eat it, no one wants to stop.”

“It keeps you young,” another said.

They added: “That’s what people say in secret in the forest.”

Researchers interviewed 2,600 people across 17 major cities in Madagascar over four years to compile the report, with key participants including hunters, buyers, sellers and restaurant staff.

While illegal lemur meat was found on menus in over a third of the cities surveyed, the overwhelming majority – 94.5% – of trade went on behind closed doors between suppliers and clients.

More than 90% of the 112 lemur species are at threat of extinction, with 31% classed as critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Brown lemurs, classed as vulnerable by the IUCN, and critically endangered ruffed lemurs were the most popular among consumers.

Conservation biologist Cortni Borgerson, who led the study, warned: “Without a comprehensive data-driven approach, the world’s most endangered mammals may soon be eaten into extinction.”

The report recommended curbing the illegal activity through stricter firearm laws, targeted advertising campaigns warning would-be customers of disease transmission and other side effects of consumption, and providing hunters with “viable alternatives that give them a dependable income”.