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102 Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur

Visiting Lake Alaotra and Camp Bandro to See a Rare Lemur Species

In 2020, the BBC aired a series program called Primates, highlighting some of the well known and lesser known species of primates on the planet. One of the species they highlighted was the Lac Alaotra Bamboo Lemur (Hapalemur alaotrensis), also known as the gentle lemur or the “Bandro” by locals. Deb Bradley, my good friend and host of the Let’s Go Wild podcast, immediately called me after watching the episode and told me we should add a few days to […]

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One of the hiking paths in Andasibe National Park, Madagascar. Photo by Lynne Venart.

The Importance of Ecotourism in Madagascar

In Madagascar, ecotourism can be a win-win-win for tourists, Malagasy people, and Madagascar’s lemurs and other wildlife. When done well, ecotourism helps protect natural environments by both supporting conservation and providing financial benefits to local people and their communities.

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COVER ChasingLemurs_4b

Memoir Brings Readers on an Epic Adventure Saving Lemurs in Madagascar

When I first heard that giant lemurs had once roamed the earth, I was fascinated and devasted. Fascinated to learn that at one point in our planet’s history there had been at least 17 large-bodied species of lemur, the largest of which is estimated to have weighed 160 kg. But I was devastated because researchers think these giant lemurs may have been around as recently as 500 years ago. I had just missed them. Today, there are 111 species and […]

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The critically endangered Madame Fleurette’s sportive lemur at Tsitongambarika Protected Area near Fort Dauphin. Photo: Marius Andriamorasata.

Saving the Lemurs of Tsitongambarika: Madagascar’s Southernmost Rainforest

About Tsitongambarika Protected Area Deforestation and hunting by humans have devastated the lemur community in the Tsitongambarika humid forest in the south-east corner of Madagascar. The area is one of the largest expanses of lowland humid forest remaining in the country, and home of seven lemur species – all little known and now highly threatened. In 2009 the Malagasy government declared Tsitongambarika a Protected Area, banning tree cutting and hunting. Forest clearance for traditional tavy agriculture and a high dependency […]

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View of bridge to camp from hiking in the forest. Photo: Lynne Venart

Visiting Anjozorobe Forest to See Wild Lemurs Near Antananarivo

If you have a few extra days near Antananarivo, consider visiting the Anjozorobe Protected Area, just 2 1/2 hours away by car. The Anjozorobe forest is home to 82 species of birds and 11 species of lemur. The lemur species here are similar to those found in Andasibe-Mantadia, but the indri is darker in coloring. And, the trails are much less crowded than those at Andasibe! About Saha Forest Camp In October 2019, I spent three days and two nights […]

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Indris in Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve. Photo: Lynne Venart

Hiking and Camping in Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve

A Northeastern Rainforest Reserve Rarely Visited by Tourists Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve (ASSR) is rarely visited by tourists. In fact, when I asked my guide Jackson how many tourists he thinks had visited ASSR that year, he said, “Not many tourists. Just you.” I was excited to see ASSR in person, after learning about it from Dr. Erik Patel when we discussed his work in the reserve with the Lemur Conservation Foundation. But why is it so rarely visited? The […]

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Desiré Rabary shows us his tree nursery in Antanetiambo Reserve. Photo: Lynne Venart.

Local Reserves in SAVA: Visiting Desiré Rabary’s Antanetiambo Reserve

After hiking in Marojejy National Park to see silky sifakas in the beautiful mountain rainforest, we spent a couple of days relaxing near the beach in Sambava. Then, we head out of the city for the second multi-day hike of the trip: four days in Anjanaharibe Sud Special Reserve (ASSR) with Jackson as my guide. But first, I wanted to see the locally managed Antanetiambo Reserve on the way. We stayed in the town of Andapa that night in order to […]

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Chaz Powell along the Gambia River. Photo credit: Tim Roberts.

River Explorer Chaz Powell Begins 800km Madagascar Trek

Can you tell us about your past adventures? CP: I have over 15 years of remote travel and expedition experience and have completed many different long distance treks all over the world. Over the last 3 years I’ve undertook and focused on my biggest challenge to date called ‘The Wildest Journey’. This was my mission to walk the length of Africa’s wildest rivers from source to sea in the battle against wildlife crime. In 2016-17, I walked for 3000 km […]

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