WILDLIFE MADAGASCAR 2024: A YEAR IN REVIEW

Wildlife Madagascar had a landmark year in 2024, marking significant strides across our conservation, research, and community development efforts. Our vision for conserving Madagascar’s biodiversity while empowering local communities has moved forward with tangible progress across various initiatives, including field-site operations, strategic research, conservation patrols, reforestation, ecotourism, community-based programs, and global outreach.

Field Site Operations

We successfully brought three key field sites into full operational status:
• La Mananara  
• Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (ASSR)
• Namoroka National Park

To lead these operations, Dr. Jacques Rakotondranary was hired as the Conservation Program Manager at La Mananara while also currently filling this role in Namoroka. Similarly, Delaïd Rasamisoa was appointed Conservation Program Manager at ASSR. At each location, we’ve made significant infrastructure improvements, increasing our capacity for research and conservation activities and strengthening our relationships with local communities.

Conservation Patrols

We established an office in Andapa, serving as a base for our team working at ASSR. Our patrol program at ASSR was launched with generous support from the El Paso Zoo and the Weeden Foundation. We were honored by a visit from board member Pablo Weeden.

Reforestation

With generous support from the Abraham Foundation, we hired Dr. Goum Antso, who led the creation of our first two nurseries, at La Mananara and ASSR. This year, we also developed a comprehensive Reforestation Program framework, which now guides our collaborative efforts to restore Madagascar’s forests.

Strategic Research

This year saw the launch of several high-impact research initiatives.
• Elevational Gradient Study: We welcomed Matt McGee from UC Berkeley, who is our first PhD student. His research focuses on assessing ecological niche differences in lemur, bird, and arthropod communities along an elevational gradient within ASSR, which may be due to warming temperatures and causing range shifts and the disappearance of high-elevation species.
• BIOCOMP: Wildlife Madagasar is partnering with colleagues at Dresden University on the BIOCOMP project, studying global biodiversity patterns and wood decomposition rates across diverse forests to understand how climate change and land use impact biodiversity and carbon cycling.
• Chameleons: Thanks to two grants from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, we’ve initiated research on two Critically Endangered species of chameleon, bolstering efforts to protect these extraordinary creatures.
• Red Ruffed Lemur: Due to the generosity of Apenheul Primate Conservation Trust, we are working on determining whether the Critically Endangered red ruffed lemur is present within ASSR. If so, it would expand its known species range.

This fall, we welcomed four Italian graduate students from Sapienza University in Rome, who are conducting the following research.
• Diurnal Lemurs of La Mananara: Aurelia Sebastiani is conducting population density surveys and evaluating each species’ microhabitat preferences.
• Nocturnal Lemurs of La Mananara: Giulia Sassoli is conducting population density surveys and evaluating each species’ microhabitat preferences.
• Predator Density in La Mananara: Gabriele Ferraro is using camera traps to assess the predator density along a disturbance gradient.
• Bats of Namoroka: Giorgia Castiello is investigating their ecology and acoustic diversity.

We hired Tolona Andrianasolo to manage research permits and logistics, ensuring the smooth operation of field research and collaborations with our national and global partners.

Community-based Programs

Wildlife Madagascar completed its first socioeconomic survey and children’s health assessment at ASSR. These assessments provide crucial insights into the well-being of the local communities living near our field sites and help guide future conservation and development initiatives. Data collection has also begun at La Mananara, with the final report expected early next year. Our efforts will continue at Namoroka in 2025, further informing our strategies for improving both community livelihoods and conservation outcomes.

Ecotourism

In August, Madagascar Classic Collection (MCC) opened Namoroka Tsingy Camp, an ecotourism venture that offers a unique gateway to explore the stunning landscapes of Namoroka National Park. Wildlife Madagascar is MCC’s conservation partner, working closely on community-based conservation, research, and sustainable development initiatives. This collaboration is helping us not only protect the biodiversity of Namoroka but also bring tangible benefits to the local communities, demonstrating the power of sustainable tourism in advancing conservation goals.

Infrastructure Investments

Thanks to the Mills Family Fund, the Lemur Conservation Foundation made improvements at Camp Indri at ASSR. Additionally, Wildlife Madagascar invested in high-quality tents and cots for all three field sites to enhance our teams’ and researchers’ experience in the field. At La Mananara, we began renovations on the old manager’s house, including the installation of a water tower, septic tank, and kitchen, which now supports our staff and visiting researchers.

Capacity Building

Committed to creating a field team that is 100% Malagasy, we trained and mentored 16 Malagasy students to lead or assist in wildlife research and socioeconomic studies. Through these hands-on experiences, we are fostering the next generation of Malagasy conservationists.

Global Outreach and Membership Growth

This year saw significant growth in our international presence and membership.
• Implemented the First International Chameleon Day: We launched the inaugural International Chameleon Day on May 9, with over 30 global participating partners and curriculum in English, French, and Malagasy. This helped us shine a spotlight on these unique reptiles, raising awareness about their conservation needs.
• Filmed Wildlife Madagascar Footage: Thanks to the generosity of Nelson Millsberg, we filmed multiple hours of footage across our field sites, capturing the incredible work being done to protect Madagascar’s unique wildlife and ecosystems. This footage will play a vital role in showcasing our conservation efforts to supporters and partners around the world.
• Reached 500 Members: We surpassed our goal of 500 members from more than 10 countries. This is a strong testament to the growing support for our mission.

Strategic Vision

We completed Wildlife Madagascar’s first strategic plan, setting a clear course for the organization’s future and ensuring our long-term impact on Madagascar’s wildlife and communities.

Conclusion

These accomplishments highlight our dedication to Madagascar’s unique wildlife, ecosystems, and communities, positioning us for even greater achievements in the years to come. As we look ahead, we remain committed to conserving the island’s rich biodiversity, building sustainable partnerships, and empowering local communities to thrive alongside the wildlife they help protect.

If you’d like a copy of this Wildlife Madagascar Year in Review, please click below.