Overview
Volunteer with Lemurs in Madagascar

This is a unique research and conservation program designed to discover more about the lemur species and forest habitats of south-east Madagascar. You will join a team of like-minded volunteers led by highly qualified staff, living and working amongst some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Madagascar on a number of exciting research and conservation initiatives. Volunteers work on an extensive range of projects from the collection of data on endangered lemur species to environmental education with local communities and tree-planting for reforestation purposes.

This project is extremely popular as there is no other programme of this kind, which works with such a focus on lemurs. The sites volunteers work in give a real insight into the amazing diversity of Malagasy landscape: from lush coastal forests to dry spiny deserts!

In the field, volunteers will work closely with trained professionals from both our local project partner and the national botanical and zoological gardens of Madagascar, to gain an insight into real grass roots conservation. This is a very special program that offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable conservation skills and experience as well as make a significant contribution towards helping some of the world's most threatened and remarkable creatures.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

A huge thank you for providing me with this opportunity. It has been one of the most moving and memorable experiences of my life. I saw parts of that beautiful island and many examples of its astounding wildlife that no ordinary tourist will get to see

Jenny Armstrong, Lemur Venture July 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Seventy-one species of lemur exist in Madagascar, all of which are crucially dependent on the remaining forested habitats of this huge island. With poverty the main driving force, to date it is estimated some 90% of the island’s unique forests have been removed for the cultivation of food for the ever-growing population. Deforestation on this scale has left many lemur species on the brink of extinction. With extremely limited resources, the Malagasy government struggle to understand these species enough to practically conserve them. GVI with local project partners focuses on the spiny and littoral forests of the southeast, draws together conservation professionals and volunteers to gather the information which is a pre-requisite for the preservation of lemur species for future generations.

Highlights

Taking a great first step towards a career in practical conservation or just finding a way to make a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of the endangered lemur species; having the opportunity to work alongside conservation professionals from our project partner and Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza (PBZT); researching rare species such as the ring-tailed lemur, Verreaux’s sifaka and the tiny mouse lemur in the spiny and littoral forests of southeast Madagascar.

Location

Located in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar - the world’s fourth largest island - has a colourful culture as well as breathtaking natural scenery and flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

Field Conditions

Volunteers camp for the duration of the scheme in some of the most beautiful campsites in the world. Food is simple but tasty and nutritionally balanced. Whilst working in the more remote villages, toilets are ‘long drop’ and showers are cold; while at the campsite in Fort Dauphin conditions are less basic and electricity is available. Volunteers should be prepared for physical work, adventurous road journeys and sometimes long walks to reach remote and picturesque project sites. The work and lifestyle is challenging but incomparably rewarding.