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Quarterly
Report from the Field: Betampona Reserve
July through September 2002
Varecia
variegata variegata
-
This period was highlighted by Hale's breeding with a wild Varecia
male on 12 July.
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Rahona, who was the wild male accompanying Fara, (remember Fara
is the offspring of 1997-releasees Praesepe and Zuben Ubi) left
Fara and joined up with the 3rd release group. He is spending
much time in the company of the young males Masoandro and Tany.
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Fara has been seen in the far northwest part of the reserve, with
at least one wild Varecia. Although Fara was originally sexed
as female, the field team are certain they've seen testicles.
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Sarph is spending most of his time with wild female Ando, but
no breeding was observed.
-Wild
Varecia V4, V6, and V10 of the Sahabefoza region have not been
observed since August. They are suspected to be in the Mahasolatra
mountain area since calls are now heard from that area.
OTHER
LEMURS
-Infants
have been observed in both the north and south Indri groups.
OTHER
MAMMALS
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A Large-eared Tenrec (Geogale aurita) was reported in the central
area of the reserve by the conservation agents. This would be
quite a range extension as Garbutt (1999) puts their eastern range
at no farther north than the Fort Dauphin area. It is perhaps
best to keep a question mark on this sighting until it can be
confirmed -- there are many small tenrecs and shrew tenrecs that
are similar in appearance.
TREE
NURSERY
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Planting out of native trees in the demonstration plots continues.
Also, Eucalypus robusta were planted in degraded areas around
Rendrirendry, primarily to serve as wind protection in the future
for the base village there.
FOREST REGENERATION SITE
-
At the Sahakoho forest regeneration site, data collection continued
on 40 1m x 1m plots within that old degraded area. Secondary forest
trees continue to grow where invasive non-natives (Afromomum)
are kept cut back.
TREE
ROTTING RATE STUDY
-
A study was began to look at the rate at which different species
of trees, in different situations, rot and break down after falling.
Trees of 16 different species have so far been tagged -- these
trees have known fall dates, mostly from past cyclones.
English
summary of Bernard Iambana's full
report in French by Charlie Welch.
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