MY TIME AS A VOLUNTEER FOR WILDLIFE MADAGASCAR
By Lotte Dijks
I first met Dr. Tim Eppley, Wildlife Madagascar’s Chief Conservation Officer, during a wildlife conservation course while I was studying biology at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. After graduating last July, I decided to reach out to him. To my delight, Tim offered me an opportunity to gain hands-on field experience in Madagascar as a volunteer, a chance I knew I couldn’t pass up.
My adventure began in Andapa, where I spent a few days at the Wildlife Madagascar (WM) office with Delaïd Rasamisoa, WM’s Conservation Program Manager for Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (ASSR). Delaïd made me feel instantly welcome, helping to organize my stay, plan my schedule, and ensure everything ran smoothly. Spending time with him gave me a glimpse of the incredible dedication and planning that goes into conservation work in Madagascar.
Next, I traveled to ASSR’s Camp Indri, overseen by Meltine (Faniry) Rasoafaniry. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in fieldwork. I joined the research team and, for the first time, saw wild lemurs in their natural habitat! Faniry patiently explained the research methods, from tracking lemur movements to recording behavior, and soon I was ready to head into the forest. Following the lemurs all day was magical. One of the most unforgettable moments came when we followed a group of indri and they began vocalizing loudly from the trees above us. It was astonishingly loud, echoing through the forest and a sound I will never forget.
At Camp Indri, I had the privilege of helping to collect data on indri, white-fronted brown lemurs, and silky sifakas. The guides also introduced me to hairy-eared dwarf lemurs, a dazzling variety of frogs and birds, and so many other fascinating creatures. Beyond observing animals, I gained a deeper understanding of their behaviors and the intricacies of forest ecology. During my stay, I also joined the team in celebrating World Lemur Day in the nearby village of Befingotra. The celebration was a vibrant mix of poetry, singing, dancing, and presentations from local conservation organizations. It was inspiring to see how communities come together to celebrate lemurs and raise awareness about their conservation. This event not only showcased Madagascar’s rich culture but also connected me with the broader conservation network in the region.
After adjusting to life at the camp, I grew to love it. The routine of waking with the forest, hiking through dense trails, and observing lemurs became surprisingly comforting. By the end of my stay, I felt deeply connected to the team and the work being done there. I hope one day I’ll return to Camp Indri and reconnect with everyone I met.
Following Camp Indri, I returned to Befingotra to work with Mamy Andriantsitohaina, WM’s ASSR Reforestation Specialist. Here, I joined the reforestation team at the WM tree nursery. I learned how to collect wild seeds, pot and process them, and care for the young plants, a hands-on introduction to restoration work that is so crucial for maintaining Madagascar’s fragile ecosystems. We also collected small coffee plants from the forest, which was a fascinating way to see sustainable agricultural practices in action.
During my free days, Vanessa Olinda (WM’s Education Specialist) introduced me to village life and the local culture. I got to try activities I had never imagined: collecting honey from the forest, working in the school garden, meeting locals, and even frying bananas over an open fire. Mamy also showed me a sakondry (insect) farm. I had read about sakondry and their potential as alternative protein, but seeing the farm in action was eye-opening, a small but important piece of the conservation puzzle in Madagascar. The week I spent in Befingotra gave me not only practical skills, but also a deeper appreciation for how conservation, culture, and daily life intertwine.
The final part of my program took place in the village of Andasibe, another village adjacent to ASSR, with Vanessa. This experience focused on community engagement and working in the community garden. I was welcomed as a new “sister” into the Andasibe family, a level of warmth and acceptance that truly touched me. I learned to work in the garden, collecting and tending vegetables, and even helped local students practice English. Despite English not being my first language, it was rewarding to share knowledge and connect with the students.
In addition to work, Vanessa introduced me to the natural beauty surrounding Andasibe. We visited the waterfalls for a day of swimming and relaxation, and she gifted me a lambahoany to take home, a symbol of Malagasy culture and a reminder of my time there. This part of my journey highlighted how conservation is about more than protecting wildlife; it’s about nurturing communities, traditions, and relationships that sustain conservation efforts.
To conclude my time in Madagascar, Delaïd helped me to arrange a three-day trip to nearby Marojejy National Park. I was accompanied by a cook and an incredible local guide who shared extensive knowledge about the park, its wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts. Exploring the park was both humbling and exhilarating. Dense forests, spectacular landscapes, and encounters with wildlife made it the perfect finale to my adventure.
Reflecting on my time in Madagascar, I feel immense gratitude. I am grateful for the people I met, the experiences I gained, and the opportunity to explore a country with such unique biodiversity. From lemurs vocalizing above me in the forest to planting seeds for the future, every moment reinforced the importance of conservation and the incredible dedication of those working to protect Madagascar’s wildlife and communities.