April 2017 – In this field season’s first mission, the team worked at Montagne des Français and the adjacent seaside Forêt d’Ampiho. Montagne des Français is a calcareous massif surrounded by dry deciduous forests characteristic of this region.
These forests are home to a range of endemic species and are one of the last suitable habitats inhabited by Lepilemur septentrionalis, one of the most endangered species of Lemur (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/11622/0), which we were very happy to meet multiple times.
We also worked with many species of chameleons, geckos, birds and plants.
Our work would not have been possible without the help of our amazing local guides and people of the village of Ivovona – their support was essential!
May 2017 – In the second mission this year the team worked on the dry deciduous forests of Antalaha, Ankoteko and Beantely in the extreme north-western coast of Madagascar.
This region has seen very high rates of deforestation in the last 50 years. However, to our knowledge, no previous research teams have worked here. In this mission, we encountered crowned lemurs (Eulemur coronatus), many bird species as well as chameleons, geckos and plants. We hope that the samples we collected will help us to understand the consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation in this amazing region.
We really appreciate the help of the guides and villagers of the communes of Mangoako and Antsahampano.
