March 8 was International Women’s Day. A day devoted to all the hard work and sacrifice women do for the families, friends, and community. In Kianjavato, the day is celebrated with many festivites like parades, singing and dancing. The local ladies group invited out MBP Volunteers to participate. Here are some fun photos shared from the field! Photos courtesy of Hilary
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
Blog by MBP Volunteer, Olivia Malagasy Street Food!!! Greetings from the winner of the KAFS AACC (that’s the All American Cribbage Championship if you’re wondering).The two other volunteers from the U.S. and I completed our month long cribbage tournament a few weeks ago and I came out on top. Sweet, sweet victory! My prize was all the snacks and drinks I could possible consume at Sunday market, and I don’t know if I’ve … 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