Madagascar Research & Conservation Institute: Forest Conservation

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute’s Forest Conservation Program involves constant monitoring of the forest and its endemic wildlife on Nosy Komba. The diversity and abundance of species needs to be studied in order to identify changes in forest dynamics, populations, habitat health and identify potential localised threats.

We use a variety of field survey techniques to assess the biodiversity of the following;

• Lemurs – Species ID, behavioural monitoring and comparisons and population assessments carried out at designated observation sites.
• Reptiles & Amphibians – Pitfall traps, transect surveys and active forest searches both during the day and at night.
• Birds – Visual and vocal identification, potential for mist netting.
• Invertebrates – Creating an inventory or species through observations and moth sheet surveys.

Forest volunteers will receive species identification training and learn how to conduct field surveys, set up equipment and collate their data.

Volunteering on the forest conservation project is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and encounter the iconic creatures for which Madagascar is famed.

Our main surveying sites are located on Nosy Komba which is a volcanic island. There are no roads and the paths through the forest are not always well trodden, they can be steep, rocky and sometimes muddy depending on the season. A good level of physical fitness is required to reach the survey sites which involve climbing over rocks and up steep mountain trails.