ConservationMadagascar

You can contribute to the research programme which aims to conserve the fragile ecosystem by conducting valuable research into the region’s biodiversity. 99% of amphibians, 96% of reptiles and 93% of mammals found in Madagascar are unique and found nowhere else on earth, so it’s a very exciting project to be part of with new species found every year! 

Volunteers support the local team of research staff with their ongoing conservation work so your tole wil depend on the current research aims. The team have had 17 scientific publications and have discovered 17 potential new species of reptiles and amphibians, a new species of lemur and they hope to discover even more each year.  Your role will include heading out into the forests to find and document details on the population, distribution and behaviour of:

• Four endangered lemur species -  Southern Woolly Lemur, Red-collared Brown Lemur, Thomas's Dwarf Lemur and the very rare Anosy Mouse Lemur 
• Madagascan Flying fox fruit bats
• Reptiles - including chameleons, geckos, snakes and lizards
• Amphibians 
• Insects 
• Fish
• Predators including fosas (via camera traps) 

Volunteers will help the conservation team with:

• Habitat mapping and data collection
• Plant studies which includes monitoring and planting of endangered palms and fruit trees which are vital for lemurs
• Reforestation projects - seed collection, plant nursery maintenance and tree planting
• Community projects

“For us here in this region, every extra volunteer means extra investment, extra employment and training, and a multitude of benefits.”
The Mayor of the region

Typical day 

Volunteers normally work 5-6 days a week, with research activities often available from 7:30am to 9pm. Volunteers generally have a two hour lunch break to eat and relax at the research base. The role is dynamic and changes depending on the current research requirements so volunteers can choose which activities to assist with each day, so you don't need to work the full day. You may walk or take a local boat to each day’s project location. The journey from your camp site to the project site varies from around 5 minutes to 1 hour

An typical day may include: 

• Sunrsie (6:30 / 7am): Breakfast
• 7:30 – 11:30am: Morning work could be a herpetological survey (heading to the stream to look for and identify frogs and into the bush to find chameleons) 
• 12pm – 2pm: Lunch and time to relax (great for getting your washing done or updating your journal!)
• 2pm – 5pm: Afternoon work could involve planting trees in the forest and looking after seedlings in the tree nursery
• 6pm: Dinner 
• 7pm – 9pm: Evening work such as heading out into the forest with your head torch to conduct a lemur population survey 

During your first few days you will receive an induction for your conservation work, health and safety briefing and advice on local customs and the cultural sensitivity when working alongside the village communities.

In your free time you can relax or explore the local area and activities that South East Madagascar has to offer.

Other volunteers

There are normally 2-8 volunteers with a maximum of 15, who work alongside the local team, researchers and conservation staff.

Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award

This placement has been approved by the DofE as meeting the requirements for the Residential section of the Gold Award.

Local support

Hoby and Tsaraiky are the Conservation project team leaders and have years of expereince working in the forest on conservation projects and as tour guides. There are also international project coordinators. The support staff are located at the project site which also houses volunteer accommodation. 

Throughout the placement you will be predominantly based at the rural campsite, but will also stay a few days at a homestay.

The rural camp is located near deserted beaches and tropical forests teeming with wildlife. There is no WIFI access. You will stay in your own tent which you can either bring from home or rent locally.

The homestay is a local style house, located next to a stunning lake. It is a 40 minute walk or 10-15 minute drive from the town centre. WIFI access is available.

Meals

All main meals are included in your placement and are prepared for you by the local team. Here are typical examples of the food you will have:

• Breakfast – banana bread, porridge, bananas, dough balls, tea and coffee
• Lunch and dinner – Rice or pasta with beans, lentils and vegetables. There is occasionally meat, fish and eggs. 

Fruit and simple snacks can be purchased locally. 

Vegetarians and vegans are welcomed and can be catered for.

Drinking water is provided throughout your placement.

You will need to fly into Antananarivo (TNR), stay one night in Antananarivo and then take a connecting flight to Fort Dauphin (FTU).

The team will meet you on arrival at Fort Dauphin airport and transfer you to the conservation camp, which takes around 3 hours. You may alternatively overnight with the team in Fort Dauphin before travelling onto the camp.

Location and free time

Based in a tropical forest and surrounded by coastal fishing community, volunteers often spend their free time at the beach, walking to local markets or (electricity permitting!) enjoying a film night on the team’s projector. Other free time activities that volunteers regularly enjoy include playing guitar, card games, dominoes and word games or just relaxing with a book in a hammock at the rural camp site. New games and activities are always appreciated too!

The research team usually spends 3-4 weeks based in the rural camp and then returns to the town for a few days off to relax before travelling back to the rural camp. Whilst in town, volunteers can visit Nahampoana wildlife reserve which is on the outskirts of Fort Dauphin and is a great opportunity to see the diverse ecosystems of Southern Madagascar including many lemur species that are unique to the region.

For those with 2 or 3 days free, Berenty Reserve is also well worth a visit for a chance to experience the unique spiny forest, octopus trees, ring tailed and ‘dancing’ sifaka lemurs – famous for being a film location for a David Attenborough documentary. The Berenty trip is best booked in advance whilst most other activities can be booked locally once you are at the project. 

Climate

Madagascar has a hot tropical climate and the Anosy region is no exception! The region has two main seasons. The hot, rainy season runs from November through to April (January to April experiences the highest rainfall). May through to October is the cooler, dry season but there can be tropical downpours throughout the year. Temperatures get up to around highs of 30˚C during the hottest months, but you'll need a fleece or two during the cooler months which can feel very chilly at around 15˚C in the early mornings.

Travelling in Madagascar before or after your placement

Madagascar is an incredibly diverse island off the South West coast of Africa and a perfect destination for intrepid travellers. It is home to thousands of animal and plant species which are found nowhere else on else including the famous lemurs, aye-ayes and fossas.

Popular places to visit in Madagascar that you might like to combine with your project include:

• Watching the 'dancing' sifaka lemurs in Berenty Reserve
• Visiting the picture perfect 'Avenue of the Baobabs' and Tsingy de Bemaraha
• Listening out for the famous call of the indri lemur in Andasibe National Park
• World class snorkelling in Nosy Be

For more information on Madagascar and some things we loved when we visited there please see our Madagascar country page. 

Thomas

“This is a truly eye opening experience being in the middle of a local community where the team has such a close relationship with this unique community. You are also always busy and definitely get your money’s worth with really interesting activities from herpetological identification (amphibians and reptiles such as chameleons, geckos, snakes, frogs and lizards) to lemur transects.

Absolutely changed my perspective on the way that we approach life and how we can protect these very special areas of the world."

Julie 

“For years I had dreamed of visiting Madagascar in a way that would connect me to people and allow me to contribute in some way. Pod Volunteer and team in Madagascar made this possible.

Being involved in so many different activities was very rewarding and was an amazing learning experience. The team included me in everything, and I had opportunities to participate in plant, lemur, invertebrate, herp, and bird assignments. Everyone on the team shared so much of their knowledge and experiences and they provided excellent advice on just about everything. 

The team always made me feel very welcome and engaged. I will cherish my memories from this experience. Many thanks to Pod Volunteer and the Madagascar team."

Emma 

“I had the most marvellous time volunteering with the Conservation project in Madagascar. Tourism in Madagascar can be expensive, so this was a fabulous way to safely see some parts of the country that are otherwise inaccessible. 

I was extremely well looked after throughout my stay, and really enjoyed being able to contribute to the ongoing wildlife conservation and education work that the team are doing in the region. The scenery was spectacular, and it was wonderful to get to explore the local beaches and forest with knowledgeable guides, and to see several unique endemic species some of whom, including lemurs and chameleons, would turn up in camp to visit us!”

Anna 

“My conservation volunteering experience in Madagascar was amazing. I got to be involved in so many different activities, such as forest analysis, lemur transects, herps transects, lobsters and Club A, where kids from local schools learn about nature and conservation.

I learnt some very basic Malagasy to be able to say hello to the locals and buy beer from the local shop. Interacting with the community was pretty great and everyone was always in such a brilliant mood.

The guides were so helpful and knowledgeable, the Research Assistant and coordinator were amazing, and the food was soooo good!! I would definitely recommend the experience! You will go home with a very full heart!"

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