The most recent IUCN Red List assessment (2008) classified H. occidentalis as Vulnerable (VU). The principal threat is habitat loss due to regular burning to create pasture for livestock, charcoal production, and mining. Recent studies in the Makira Forest documented the hunting of this species, but did not determine whether current levels were sustainable (Golden, 2005). Its presence is reported in eight national parks (Ankarana, Baie de Baly, Mananara-Nord, Marojejy, Masoala, Sahamalaza-Iles Radama, Tsingy de Namoroka, and Zahamena), two strict nature reserves (Tsaratanana and Zahamena), and eight special reserves (Ambatovaky, Analamerana, Anjanaharibe-Sud, Bemarivo, Kasijy, Maningoza, Manongarivo, and Marotandrano) (Nicoll and Langrand, 1989; Schmid and Smolker, 1998; Hawkins et al., 1998; Thalmann et al., 1999; Randrianarisoa et al., 2001a, 2001b; C. P. Groves, pers. comm.; Rabarivola et al., 2007; C. Schwitzer, pers. obs.). Recent surveys, however, did not encounter any animals in Analamerana or Ankarana, just in a single patch of unprotected forest in the corridor that connects these reserves (Banks, 2005). The Hapalemur at Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, previously thought to be this species, is now thought to be H. g. ranomafanensis (see Rabarivola et al. 2007). As of 2010, there was a small, non-breeding population of around 18 in various European zoos (C. Schwitzer, pers. obs.; I. J. Porton, pers. comm.).