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ranger. We measured out and flagged every 25m and also made a GPS map. The two main trails, both just over 1km,
are named “Tsidy” (mouse lemur) and “Bokombolo” (bamboo lemur). We also marked 28 smaller side trails named
after other local plants and animals. Once Faye and I had finished with the trails, we proceeded to our next task, which
was to create nine 10m by 50m botanical plots in preparation for a professional botanist from the Missouri Botanical
Garden who will be arriving in Antanetiambo soon. This important legwork will speed his immense task of combing
through 4500m² of forest to identify every plant in the plots. More recently, we have GPS-mapped the different
habitats and areas of human disturbance so that we can understand more about the various parts of the reserve. This
will particularly be useful when we move on to observing the reserve’s bamboo lemurs to see where they spend their
time so that we can assess their habitat and ranging preferences.
In addition to working at Antanetiambo, Faye and I have been able to participate in other SAVA Conservation
activities. We have been able to see several tree nurseries supported in part by SAVA Conservation, and we also helped
with the annual fish harvest from the SAVA Conservation-funded fish farm. Almost 4000 locally endemic
Paratilapia
polleni
were caught from the pond by hand. Some were sold at market to help mitigate demand for bushmeat, while
others were reintroduced into the local river system. Faye and I were able to help with the fish release in the river near
where we live.
I have really enjoyed contributing to these projects, but by far my favorite part of my Madagascar experience has
been my visit to Marojejy National Park, a mountainous park full of lush primary rainforest. I saw many fascinating
plants, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Of course, I was most excited to see five species of lemur, including the silky
sifaka (
Propithecus candidus
). This critically endangered primate has soft, white fur all over its body except on its black
or pink face. As I watched them bound through the trees as if they were flying (sometimes only two meters above my
head), it really impressed upon me the importance of the work we are doing. If the silky sifaka and the many other
endemic plants and animals disappear from Madagascar, they are gone from the world for good. As Rabary always
says, “The loss of a single species is a loss for all people.” I am happy to be part of SAVA Conservation’s efforts to
preserve Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
An Aspiring Primatologist’s Conservation Work in Madagascar
Continued
Kyle and Faye spotting lemurs at camp #1 in Marojejy NP.