The Aim:
The main aim of our research is to investigate the abundance and distribution of 5 nocturnal lemur species in the forest, with focus on habitat characteristics of ecological importance and the associated anthropogenic threats.
Where is Tampolo?
Tampolo Forestry Station lies 10km North of Fenerive Est, where the team did their weekly market visits. The station was easily accessible by taxi-brousse from Antananarivo via Tamatave (Toamasina) on the East coast.
The journey took a bumpy 10 hours, on roads that seem to be slowly improving by the month. Methods and ObjectivesObjective 1
To map the abundance and distribution of the greater dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus major), the eastern wooly lemur (Avahi laniger), the Simmon’s mouse lemur (Microcebus simmonsi), the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) and the Grewcock’s sportive lemur (Lepilemur grewcockorum) within the Tampolo Forestry Station. Nightly transects along preexisting forest trails, 4 per night, using handheld GPS devices to define location of sightings. Transects will be repeated for statistical comparison. |
Objective 2
To investigate the structure of the forest habitat, we will be walking the same transects in daylight in order to identify the plant species and compare their positions with the GPS locations of nocturnal lemur sightings, suggesting these species are of ecological importance.
Objective 3
To understand how the management of this region may affect the residents of the 3 villages surrounding Tampolo Forest Station, with regards to an increase in levels of protection, a consequent decrease in primary materials available, and the potential development of tourist infrastructure. We will be conducting interviews with the assistance of bilingual team members to create a conclusive oral account.
To investigate the structure of the forest habitat, we will be walking the same transects in daylight in order to identify the plant species and compare their positions with the GPS locations of nocturnal lemur sightings, suggesting these species are of ecological importance.
Objective 3
To understand how the management of this region may affect the residents of the 3 villages surrounding Tampolo Forest Station, with regards to an increase in levels of protection, a consequent decrease in primary materials available, and the potential development of tourist infrastructure. We will be conducting interviews with the assistance of bilingual team members to create a conclusive oral account.