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Sponsor Spotlight |
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IPS 2008 has a number of generous sponsors but one of our major sponsors, Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd, that has supported us since 2007 is notable for not only actively pursuing the highest standards of welfare in the captive breeding of primates but also developing conservation initiatives for native forest, both in its own country and in Madagascar. This work often goes without recognition so here, for the Congress, is a small spotlight on some of that work making use of the organisation's own literature and images.
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The Forest
Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar has been active in Madagascar since 2003 when it took over the conservation management of Sahafina forest under a 25 year agreement. Sahafina forest, which is 2,500ha of remnant lowland rainforest SW of Tamatave, has long been subject to the twin conservation challenges of habitat loss and hunting. BCM has established an active programme of reforestation aiming to plant 20,000 indigenous plants produced in two nurseries, every year. Initial efforts are concentrated on the planting of fruiting species on which the local lemur populations feed.
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Sahafina has a very high density of Indris (photo: N. Cohen) |
The Lemurs
A number of lemur species can be found at Sahafina including: Indri (Indri indri), eastern avahi (Avahi laniger), common brown lemur (Eulemur fulvus), red bellied lemur (Eulemur rubiventer), grey bamboo lemur (Hapalemur griseus), brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus), greater dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus major), Aye Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis ).
BCM plans to establish a rehabilitation centre for rescued pet ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). This species is currently locally extinct. BCM has also established a scholarship fund for the study of lemurs at Sahafina. This fund is managed through GERP Madagascar.
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The People
BCM works closely with the local community, aiming to reduce poverty and there pressure on the forest. This is achieved through a programme of employment creation - BCM employs local villagers: 23 permanent positions and a significant number of casual staff.
Following a socio-economic survey BCM has been working with local communities to improve local agricultural production (particularly rice), providing income for local people and reducing pressure on the forest. BCM has employed two full-time agricultural technicians and provides improved seed, fertilizers plant-care products and small agricultural equipment to help achieve these goals.
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Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar is a registered Malagasy conservation association and is the conservation arm of Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd.
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