Volunteer for Madagascar's Lemurs
Hiring Organization:
Earthwatch
Date Posted:
2007-08-28
Position Description:
Research Mission
Help study the largest lemurs in Ranomafana National Park.
Situation Report
Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar — The island of Madagascar is among the planet's top biodiversity hotspots, with tropical forests full of animals found nowhere else in the world. This biological treasure trove is threatened with large-scale destruction by logging and other human activities. You can join one of the foremost research and conservation efforts on the island, led by Drs. Pat Wright and Summer Arrigo-Nelson. Wright has spent more than 18 years working on behalf of Madagascar's forests, people, and animals. She discovered a species of lemur previously unknown to science, spearheaded the creation of Ranomafana National Park, and has helped thousands of villagers promote sustainable development. You can help her team explore the lives of highly endangered lemurs, supporting the effective management of their forest habitat.
On the Expedition
Exploring the lush rainforest of Ranomafana on foot, your team will gain an intimate view of the world of lemurs. Working in shifts, you will follow a group of Milne-Edwards sifakas, the largest lemurs in the park, from dawn to dusk. Your efforts will be rewarded by observations of wild lemur behaviors seen by few humans. June teams will be working during the lemur birthing season, while November or December teams will witness the mating season. Your findings will shed light on how habitat disturbance and a unique, female-dominant social structure affect lemur survival. You will spend your nights gazing at the stars and looking for chameleons. On free days you can explore the village, swim in Ranomafana's hot mineral spring pool, and enjoy the company of Malagasy and visiting researchers.
Meals and Accommodations
After a long day in the forest, you will come home to a shower and a hearty dinner at a research station on the edge of Ranomafana National Park. You will stay on private tent sites in your own tent with the occasional lemur activity in the trees above. The station has classrooms and laboratories, flush toilets and hot showers, and you may venture to the river if you wish to cool down. A cook will prepare Malagasy, French, and American dishes.
Rendezvous
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Qualifications/Experience:
Must be willing to get oneself to Antanannarivo, Madagascar.
Must be willing and able to contribute $2749 to the project/research costs. You should speak English and be very fit and enjoy hiking and camping.
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Meals and accommodations in tents are provided.
Term of Appointment:
2007: Nov. 19-Dec. 2. 2008: June and Nov. teams.
Application Deadline:
About 1 month before team starts. Must submit health form signed by a physician.
Comments:
A tough project, but very rewarding!
Contact
Information:
Mary Ellen Rowe
3 Clock Tower Place
Maynard, MA 01754
USA
Telephone Number:
(800) 776-0188 x 228
Fax Number:
(978) 461-2332
Website:
http://www.earthwatch.org
E-mail Address:
mrowe@earthwatch.org
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