Blog by MBP Volunteer, Hilary   It shouldn’t be surprising to me that there are so many uses for the plants that grow naturally in the forests and fields here in Kianjavato, but the knowledge that some members of the have about the plants is astounding. We’ve recently started working on a project where the previous volunteers left off, which involves interviewing members of the community about the medicinal uses of the plants found … Read More

Thomas ny Matazzaka (Thomas the Strong), Prolemur Simus Volunteer & Arm-Wrestler Extraordinaire   I have also seen countless insects of every kind, some dazzling in their splendor. I have started to learn more of the local birds, especially after a birding trip with one of the local guides last weekend. Lizards – mainly geckos and skinks –abound. I have seen a few chameleons as well, curious creatures with fascinating adaptations, but they are much harder to find … Read More

  Blog by MBP Volunteer, Thomas   Photo courtesy of Dr. Edward E. Louis Jr. I am writing this entry having been in KAFS and studying the Greater Bamboo Lemur for nearly a month. After the first week detailed above I was joined by the other volunteer working on the simus project, Victoria, and we have done our best to figure out the program. I will keep up my very valid cliché by saying she … Read More

Blog from MBP Volunteer, Olivia   Photo courtesy of Dr. Edward Louis, Jr. I’ve been here a month, but it feels like only a week. Time is flying by! I’ve gotten to understand the ins and outs of the Varecia research and it is going pretty well. I run through the forest, following my guide and writing down data, while trying to flag and GPS trees and not trip over vines. Wow! The heat and … Read More

Photo of Ruffiface courtesy of Dr. Louis Blog by MBP Volunteer, Thomas My first week of following lemurs has been a wonderful and enlightening period. I began by briefly meeting the five guides who work on Prolemur simus, and going out to follow the “West 1” group with the experienced guide Hery, and a student from Tulsa in a study abroad program named Kate. She is here for a few weeks doing a project on … Read More