Following the powerful cyclone that struck northwestern Madagascar in January, Wildlife Madagascar field researcher Isanaio “Isa” Anahary is leading the second phase of lemur surveys throughout Tsingy de Namoroka National Park and adjacent forest fragments. These surveys are helping the team assess the extent of habitat damage and better understand the cyclone’s ecological impacts on both forests and wildlife.
Namoroka is home to 10 lemur species, including the Critically Endangered Van der Decken’s sifaka and the Critically Endangered Tsiombikibo sportive lemur. During fieldwork, Isa and the team have been documenting several of these species, including Decken’s sifakas, red brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, sportive lemurs, and smaller nocturnal species. However, widespread treefall has left the forest canopy significantly more open, and the lemurs appear more vigilant and are spending more time on the ground than usual.
Long-term monitoring following major disturbances like cyclones is critical for understanding how wildlife adapts to environmental change and for guiding effective conservation efforts. Wildlife Madagascar will continue tracking these populations in the months ahead.