TNT's Madagascar Experience

TNT

TNT

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
Hi All,

Next week (Thurs 21st), I'll be off to Madagascar for 18 days as part of a trip with my university.

Whilst there, I should have the opportunity to visit Tsimbazaza Zoo, and maybe a lemur park. (The zoo is most likely).

I'll also be acting as a research assistant for various Masters/Ph.D students with projects focusing on Sifaka and multiple species of reptile and amphibia.

If you have any questions, or requests for photos... I'll see what I can do.

Many thanks,

TNT.
 
ThomasNotTom said:
Hi All,

Next week (Thurs 21st), I'll be off to Madagascar for 18 days as part of a trip with my university.

Whilst there, I should have the opportunity to visit Tsimbazaza Zoo, and maybe a lemur park. (The zoo is most likely).

I'll also be acting as a research assistant for various Masters/Ph.D students with projects focusing on Sifaka and multiple species of reptile and amphibia.

If you have any questions, or requests for photos... I'll see what I can do.

Many thanks,

TNT.
Click to expand...

I assume you are going to the Valbio center in Ranomafana? Have fun and enjoy!
 
lintworm said:
I assume you are going to the Valbio center in Ranomafana? Have fun and enjoy!
Click to expand...
No, I'll actually be spending my time in and around Mariarano, a small village in the North West of Madagascar.

And thank you :)
 
ThomasNotTom said:
No, I'll actually be spending my time in and around Mariarano, a small village in the North West of Madagascar.

And thank you :)
Click to expand...

That looks like a cool place, I hope spotlighting in the forest is not forbidden, because that is a lot of fun with highly visible chameleons and many other reptiles, as well as good chances for several lemurs (though spotlighting might be part of your work anyway...). Also if you have time, go to Ankarafantsika NP, which is not far away and you will cross it on the way. There are 6 species of lemur on and around the campsite and the lake nearby is good for water birds and Madagascar fish eagle. The park is pretty good for birds as well, though there will be a lot of overlap with Mariarano. If you're a birder the Betsiboka estuary is also a must.
 
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lintworm said:
That looks like a cool place, I hope spotlighting in the forest is not forbidden, because that is a lot of fun with highly visible chameleons and many other reptiles, as well as good chances for several lemurs (though spotlighting might be part of your work anyway...). Also if you have time, go to Ankarafantsika NP, which is not far away and you will cross it on the way. There are 6 species of lemur on and around the campsite and the lake nearby is good for water birds and Madagascar fish eagle. The park is pretty good for birds as well, though there will be a lot of overlap with Mariarano. If you're a birder the Betsiboka estuary is also a must.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I'll keep all of that in mind!
We have a family of Coquerel's Sifaka that live above or camp site, but I'll be sure to look out for as much wildlife as possible :)
 
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After over 32 hours of travel I am finally home!

Madagascar was an incredible experience and I shall get something detailed written up soon.

Sadly, I was unable to visit the zoo due to unrest in the city (police have been a little gun happy recently). However, I was able to visit a Lemur Park which I'll give you all a brief overview of when I get the write-up done :)

Sorry to anyone hoping for updates or pictures from the zoo - it was out of my hands.
 
So, I've been useless and not got anything done yet, I came back home to a full time job... But also a nice surprise which has taken up alot of free time...

To my amazement, I have been offered an Assistant Curator Internship at Blackpool Zoo for the rest of the summer. I shall be doing studbook work and helping to write best practice guidelines. If you have any questions, feel free to ask :)

The species of focus will be:
-African Spoonbill
-Lesser Flamingo
-Ground Cuscus
-Long-nosed Potoroo
-Scaly Sided Merganser

TNT
 
Now I understand your new avatar! I was wondering if that butterfly that are your holding in hand is a Pharmacophagus antenor... now that I know that you went to Madagascar, I see that it's really this species!
 
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Kakapo said:
Now I understand your new avatar! I was wondering if that butterfly that are your holding in hand is a Pharmacophagus antenor... now that I know that you went to Madagascar, I see that it's really this species!
Click to expand...
It certainly is! I was the first to catch an individual in a very long time!! :)
 
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