Forest Conservation Research Assistant

Forest Conservation Program: 

Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute's Forest Conservation Program involves long-term monitoring of the forest and its endemic wildlife on Nosy Komba. We study the diversity and abundance of species to identify changes in forest dynamics, populations, habitat health and identify potential localised threats. To assess biodiversity, we use a variety of field survey techniques including: Species ID, behavioural monitoring and comparisons, population assessments, pitfall traps, transect surveys and active forest searches both during the day and at night, as well as visual and vocal identification of birds, and potential for mist netting. For invertebrates on Nosy Komba, we aim to create an inventory of butterfly and moth species. 

Forest volunteers receive training on species identification, conducting field surveys, equipment set up and data collation. Volunteering on the forest conservation project is a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most unique ecosystems and encounter the iconic creatures for which Madagascar is famed. We currently have four ongoing long-term projects as follows, however personal projects/university studies are welcomed:

• Black Lemur ecology (Eulemur macaco macaco) – We study 3 groups of lemurs, all located in closed canopy forest close to villages and human presence. We focus on the lemur’s relations with their habitat, home range and group size. We also hope to estimate the lemur’s tolerance against habitat fragmentation and disturbance. In addition to this, we conduct behavioural comparisons between wild and habituated populations at the local lemur park.
• Reptile Survey – We use two different methods, each focusing on different niches. In transect surveys, volunteers walk along set 250m transects using visual search to identify all reptiles and amphibians. During plot searches, volunteers actively search through a pre-defined plot looking for more cryptic species. In addition to the intensive transect and plot searches, we sometimes use pitfall traps to study ground dwelling reptiles and amphibians. Most surveys happen during the day however we carry out weekly night walks for nocturnal species using the same methods. We survey reptile populations in the following habitats: open plantation, coffee plantation, shrubby forest, closed canopy forest, primary forest.
• Bird Survey – We conduct bird population surveys on the coast, in plantations and in the forest. Point counts are conducted where birds are identified both visually and vocally. This survey allows us to study the seasonal occupancy, habitat preferences and provide updated data on the endemic bird species present on Nosy Komba.
• Agroforest – The Implementation of an agroforest in Nosy Komba is the first of its kind. With villages requiring to clear forest vegetation to grow crops, MRCI are pioneering the concept of growing cash crops. These are crops such as coffee, vanilla and chilly. The crops will be grown without the need to destroy or interfere with valuable ecosystems. We combined this initiative with a sanitation program for the local village.

Age: Our volunteers range in age from 18 to retirees and everyone in between, though most are in their early to mid-twenties.

Number of Volunteers: MRCI’s research centre at Turtle Cove can accommodate up to 54 volunteers at a time across all programs. There are usually between 10 and 20 volunteers participating in the Forest Conservation program at any given time.

Languages Spoken: All program staff and volunteers must be able to speak, write and understand English. Our program staff and volunteers come from all over the world and speak a myriad of other languages in additional to English. Locally, our operations staff and the people of Madagascar speak Malagasy and some French. Volunteers have the chance to attend free Malagasy lessons offered on camp and learn more about the language and culture in this beautiful country.

Essential info: Volunteers are expected to have their own health insurance. Vaccinations are not typically required to enter Madagascar, however this may vary depending on your travel path. We recommend consulting a travel doctor about vaccinations and medications. Recommended vaccinations for Madagascar include: yellow fever, tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies.

In addition, we recommend carrying preventative agents with you including sun screen, after sun lotion, mosquito repellent, re-hydration supplements, anti-malarial medications, and anything else recommended by your doctor.  There is access to good, fairly priced medical care here in country if needed. Due to the hot, humid climate, it is incredibly important to drink enough water. We have filtered drinking water available on camp; just be sure to bring a good reusable bottle.

What Is included in the fee: Forest volunteers receive training on species identification, conducting field surveys, methodology, equipment set up and data collation.

Volunteers also receive:

• Sleeping accommodations for the duration of their volunteer time
• Three meals per day, seven days per week on camp
• Supervision and training by staff
• Scientific Survey Materials (i.e. GPS, hygrometer, rulers, measuring tape, etc…)
• Overnight hike to a church village high up near the peak of Nosy Komba

Insurance: Volunteers are expected to purchase their own health insurance.

Generally, each program has morning and afternoon activities. After dinner each day, we have a briefing to go over activities for the following day. NOTE: The schedule will vary depending on the project, weather etc. for that day.

Sample Schedule:

• 05:00-07:00 Breakfast on camp
• 06:00-08:00 Start of morning activities on project
• 12:00 Lunch on camp
• 14:00 Start of afternoon activities on project
• 16:00-17:00 Volunteer activities for the day usually conclude
• 18:00 Dinner on camp
• 18:45 Board Briefing to go over activities for the following day

Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs located on Nosy Komba, therefore all cash needs to be drawn ATMs located on neighbouring Nosy Be. The ATMs all take VISA; only one or two will accept MasterCard. Depending on weekend activities and the number of souvenirs and snacks purchased, volunteers typically find between $50 and $100 USD per week to be sufficient spending money.

A few popular weekend activities / places to visit are listed below. NOTE: Unless marked otherwise, volunteers organize trips to these places on their own, not through MRCI, however there is contact information available on camp from past volunteers on how they booked trips.

• Lokobe Forest Reserve
• Discovery SCUBA Dive (through MRCI)
• SCUBA Dive Training (through MRCI)
• Explore different areas of Nosy Komba with a local guide and learn about medicinal plants, the endemic wildlife and more
• Tanikely Natural Reserve
• Visit Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (swimming and snorkelling)
• Whale Shark Watching (seasonal)
• Visit the Sacred Tree or Sacred Waterfall on Nosy Be
• Hike up Mount Passot on Nosy Be
• Visit Lemur Land park on Nosy Be, or the Lemur Park on Ambpang Village on Nosy Komba
• Ankarana National Park
• Amber Mountain National Park
• Visit plantations on the mainland in the city of Ambanja
• Visit the city of Diego Suarez including the Emerald Sea, the Three Bays, Tsingy Rouge rock formation and more