|
6-part
Conservation Strategy
1.
Technical support
2. Protection of parks and nature reserves
3. Field research
4. Breeding programs
5. Conservation planning
6. Education
First, the MFG provides technical support for Madagascar's
Parc Ivoloina, a small zoo and educational center. The MFG
helps to fund renovations, staff training, improvements
in animal care and nutrition, veterinary equipment, library
materials, educational projects, and community outreach
programs. There are also MFG-supported technical advisors
stationed at Parc Ivoloina. The primary goal is to support
the Malagasy staff's efforts to transform the zoo into a
showplace for Madagascar's animals where children and adults
can learn about their country's unique wildlife and the
need to protect it.
The second part of the MFG's strategy is to enhance the
protection of parks and nature reserves including the Betampona
Natural Reserve. In Betampona, the MFG is leading a ground-breaking
project to return black and white ruffed lemurs (Varecia
variegata variegata) born outside the wild back into
the wild. The local ruffed lemur population needs reinforcements
to survive, and the restocking project is the centerpiece
of the MFG's larger program to protect the reserve.
The third part of the MFG's conservation strategy is to
promote and fund field research on animals, plants and habitats.
This work has included not only the ongoing lemur work in
Betampona, but support for other studies benefitting such
diverse species as the rere, or side-necked turtle (Erymnochelys
madagascariensis), the Madagascar pond heron (Ardeola
idae), and a wide range of lemurs living in fragmented
habitats.
Fourth, the MFG supports and promotes breeding programs outside
the wild for Malagasy species, both in Madagascar and worldwide.
The fifth element of our strategy is
to undertake and promote rigorous conservation planning
in conjunction with the Malagasy government and other conservation
groups. In 2001, the MFG and ANGAP (the National Association
for the Management of Protected Areas) led a major planning
initiative involving species and protected areas nationwide.
Finally, the MFG works to educate zoo visitors throughout
the world about Madagascar's unique biological heritage
and its plight.
What
We Do Main Page
MFG
Home Page
|
