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Madagascar is home to some of the world’s most exceptional biodiversity, and protecting it requires continuous, science-driven research. Nosy Komba forest conservation research contributes to the long-term goals of Madagascar’s forest conservation program. It focuses on studying species diversity, monitoring habitat changes, and understanding ecological pressures affecting this unique island environment. Volunteers and students will work alongside our research team through our Forest Conservation Program to collect long-term data that supports meaningful forest protection efforts.
What is Forest Conservation Research?
The Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute (MRCI) conducts ongoing monitoring of the forest and its endemic wildlife on Nosy Komba. Our research focuses on:
Species diversity and abundance
Changes in forest dynamics and habitat health
Detection of potential localized threats
Forest conservation is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and supporting local communities. Our research data directly informs strategies used in our broader Forest Conservation Program
Biodiversity Monitoring Techniques
We use a variety of field survey techniques to assess the biodiversity of the following;
- Lemurs – Species ID, behavioural monitoring and comparisons, and population assessments carried out at designated observation sites.
- Reptiles & Amphibians – Pitfall traps, transect surveys, and active forest searches both during the day and at night.
- Birds – Visual and vocal identification, potential for mist netting.
- Invertebrates – Creating an inventory of species through observations and moth sheet surveys.
Forest volunteers will receive species identification training and learn how to conduct field surveys, set up equipment, and collate their data.
Ongoing Research Projects
Currently, the following long-term projects are being undertaken; however, personal projects/university studies are welcomed:
- Black Lemur ecology (Eulemur macaco macaco) – We are currently studying 3 groups of lemurs, all located in closed canopy forest, but never far away from the village and human presence. Our focus is on their relations with their habitat, their home range, and group size. We also hope to be able to estimate their tolerance against habitat fragmentation and disturbance. In addition to this, we are conducting behavioural comparisons between wild populations and those habituated with human presence and interaction at the local lemur park.
- Reptile Survey – We survey reptile populations in the following 6 habitats:
- open plantation
- coffee plantationshrubby forest
- closed canopy forest
- primary forest
We use two different methods for this; each focuses on different niches. One is transect surveys, volunteers walk along set 250m transects identifying all reptiles and amphibians seen. The second is plot searches, during which volunteers actively search through a pre-defined plot looking for cryptic species.
In addition to the intensive transect and plot searches, we are using pitfall traps to study ground-dwelling reptiles and amphibians. Most surveys happen during the day; however, we carry out weekly night walks surveying for nocturnal species using the same methods.
- 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 preference, and provide updated data on the endemic bird species present on Nosy Komba.
Our main surveying sites are located on Nosy Komba, which is a volcanic island. There are no roads, and the paths through the forest are not always well trodden; they can be steep, rocky, and sometimes muddy depending on the season. A good level of physical fitness is required to reach the survey sites, which involve climbing over rocks and up steep mountain trails.
Get Involved
Join our research efforts and contribute to vital conservation data. For those interested in hands-on field experience and broader volunteer opportunities, explore our Forest Conservation Program to participate in impactful conservation projects.
