Learning from endangered lemurs

by Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs
Learning from endangered lemurs

Project Report | Aug 14, 2024
Forest School - From a childhood influenced by nature to a profession tracking wild lemurs

By Cynthia Frasier & Jeannin Nicolas Rakotondrazandry | General Assembly Member & Field Site Manager

Rotra - the Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur
Rotra - the Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur

Lemurs – you may have seen them in zoos, cartoon movies, in rich and immersive documentaries, maybe even in Madagascar. However, for people living in Madagascar, it’s not uncommon to walk around cities and meet children that have never seen a lemur in the wild.

Leda and Gence did not grow up in a city. They live near MBP’s Ihofa Vohitsara Bioreserve and Field Station, which is surrounded by forest. A forest that has 14 different lemur species. And since they were kids, they’ve been passionate about these animals, especially black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). They say they love the colors of this lemur species!

In 2021, Leda and Gence joined MBP’s lemur monitoring team and have been tracking Varecia ever since. This lemur species is dependent on forests with large fruit-bearing trees. The trees provide the Varecia fruit and, in turn, the Varecia distribute seeds contributing to a healthy and diverse forest. In areas where disturbance levels are high, often due to human activity, these lemurs are no longer found.

Gence and Leda fill key roles in protecting local Varecia populations by deterring illegal hunting and documenting critical food resources. They would like to become professional guides, so they also apply themselves to engaging tourists by facilitating exciting lemur encounters.

If all Malagasy children had an opportunity to witness lemurs whipping through the trees and calling across the forest, thousands more may be inspired the way Leda and Gence were. But for inspiration to translate to expanding lemur populations, we need to explore how communities can grow and develop alongside wildlife. MBP does this through ecotourism, reforestation that includes trees for people and lemurs, contributions to regenerative agriculture such as composting workshops, and through cooperation with an impactful education partner, Conservation Fusion.

Your contribution to “Learning from endangered lemurs” on the GlobalGiving platform allows us to continue this work and outreach by providing equipment and support to MBP’s lemur monitoring teams.

Leda recording lemur behavioral data
Leda recording lemur behavioral data
Gence - still excited about lemurs!
Gence - still excited about lemurs!
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Apr 16, 2024
Rediscovering Wild Wisdom: Aye-Aye Tales

By Cynthia Frasier & Vicki Villanova | General Assembly Member & Program Manager

Dec 20, 2023
After the Fire

By Cynthia Frasier & Vicki Villanova | General Assembly Member & Program Manager

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Organization Information

Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership

Location: Antananarivo - Madagascar
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @MBPartnership
Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership
Ed Louis
Project Leader:
Ed Louis
Antananarivo , Antananarivo Madagascar

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