My research is simple - find lemurs. Specifically I am interested in whether or not lemurs can survive in fragments of forest. To determine this I journey into a remote part of Madagascar to find out if lemurs have survived forest fragmentation.

My field site is located in NW Madagascar in Ankarafantsika National Park. I venture past the forest edge to an area characterized mostly by savannah with many fragments of tropical deciduous dry forest of varying sizes dotting the landscape. These forest fragments are where I, with a team of six others, searched for lemurs over 5 months in 2011 and where I will continue my work in 2012.

We live in the simplest of conditions - no food or water can be found for at least five km from camp. Thus everything is packed in - including 200L of water every three days on zebu (ox) carts. If the water doesn’t show up the research ends. So far we have surveyed 42 forest fragments day and night looking for lemurs. To find lemurs at night we search for their signature eye shine - like a tiny pair of headlights looking back at you. To our surprise we have found that six different species of lemur live within the landscape including coquerel’s sifakas, two species of mouse lemur, brown lemurs, sportive lemurs, and the fat-tailed dwarf lemur. Even fragments as small as two backyards in Calgary contained lemurs (mouse lemurs)! 

In 2012 I plan to lead a group of eager visitors to Madagascar with Civilized Adventures to show off many of the wonders that Madagascar has to offer. From lemurs that can leap 10m through the air, chameleons of all shapes and sizes and of course colours, to birds - many of which like the lemurs and chameleons are only found in Madagascar. Join me on this great adventure to one of the most diverse and unique countries on this beautiful planet!

Travis is hosting a special adventure in Madagascar, Sept. 20 - Oct. 7, 2012. There is still room for you to join him!