Reaching Out to Malagasy Fauna
Scientists have yet to discover all of the plants and animals hidden in Madagascar's rain forests. Many of its species do not exist anywhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, deforestation has destroyed large segments of island habitat, and a number of species may soon face extinction.
In 1988, Malagasy government officials requested help to address the decline of their ecosystem. The Chicago Zoological Society, along with a team of field biologists and other zoo professionals, answered the call by founding the Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG).
The MFG mobilizes zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, universities, and related organizations worldwide to conserve the island's wildlife. A poor nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar struggles to support a rising human population. Forests and other wildlife habitats are cleared for agricultural use, and cyclones have leveled sections of the coastline.
As a founding member of the MFG, we helped to develop a conservation plan that focuses on environmental and cultural issues affecting habitat loss. Most notably, we support a staff that lives and works in Madagascar. Scientists and educators, these people train Malagasy citizens to develop sustainable practices in agriculture and to educate others about the country's rich environmental history. Many MFG staff members are stationed at Parc Ivolina, a small zoo and educational center.
The MFG also supports a variety of field projects at Betampona Natural Reserve. These include studies on the genetic and reproductive health of lemurs, lemur reintroduction programs, identification of other rare and special species for research, and mapping of vegetation and other biological information to measure human impact.
Although there is a lot of work to be done in Madagascar, its secrets are being uncovered every year, and people around the world continue to collaborate to help species stave off extinction. The Chicago Zoological Society and other MFG members not only aim to work directly in the field to preserve habitats, but we also strive to educate people around the world about Madagascar's fragile ecosystem.