Summary
The Anosy region is home to some of the largest tracts of
remaining pristine forest in the country, however increasing
demands for firewood and building materials and continual reliance
on slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy) to ward off starvation
are destroying these forest environments, with the latest estimates
suggesting that around 90% of the original forest cover has been lost.
In 2003, the Government of Madagascar decided to triple the area of
forest encompassed in Madagascar’s
protected areas network, with 14 of the newly protected areas
deemed vital for conservation in the Anosy region. These fragments
are home to many endemic and endangered animal and plant species.
The Lemur Venture programme aims to survey these remaining forest fragments
in order to evaluate the diversity and abundance of lemurs
within them, and to collect data in support of initiatives for their
conservation.
In order to channel the data collected into conservation initiatives,
Azafady combines research with the education and participation
of local communities, engaging their assistance in activities
such as tree planting and seed collection. Azafady also works
closely with Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza (PBZT) in Antananarivo.
Project Aims
To contribute to the implementation of the Madagascar Action Plan Commitment 7 (Environment), Challenge 2 - ‘reduce natural resource degradation’.
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To contribute to the support of the Madagascar Protected Areas System.
Purpose
To survey the remaining forest fragments of south - east Madagascar in order to evaluate the diversity and abundance of lemurs within these forest patches, and, in collaboration with PBZT, to collect herbarium specimens.
Objectives
To identify new areas of high biological value and put them forward to be included in the expanding protected area network of Madagascar.
To conduct observational trackings on several lemur populations in order to study their feeding behaviour.
To educate local populations on the outcome of forest destruction as a loss of habitat for lemur species.
Principal Activities
Conduct
an initial exploration of the chosen site
Volunteers conduct
observational trackings, recording primate species present
and abundance. They also map the perimeter of their forest
fragments using GPS technology.
Conduct transect surveys
of spiny and littoral forests in both day and night
Volunteers
record the presence of lemur groups, conduct night walks
to establish which nocturnal species are present in the area
and search for the elusive ring-tailed lemurs.
Collect herbarium
species
Volunteers collect seeds, plant saplings and pack
compost with the assistance of PBZT staff.
Environmental Education
Volunteers conduct environmental education sessions in local
communities, often encouraging school children to join in by
using drama and games.
