Duke Lemur Center and the Madagascar Fauna Group
The Lemur Center is proud to be a founding member of the Madagascar Fauna Group since its inception in 1988. Click image for larger version.
In 1988, the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) supported the creation of the Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG), in response to a request from the Government of Madagascar for assistance in endangered species conservation. The MFG is an international consortium of zoological parks and conservation research centers. The group is managed by a Steering Committee that is assisted by a diverse group of scientific advisors from universities and conservation NGOs. The Director of the DLC is a Steering Committee member.
Over its 17-year history, the MFG has developed a successful in-country conservation program, headquartered in Tamatave on Madagascar's east coast. From 1988-2004, this program was led by DLC Staff Andrea Katz and Charlie Welch who worked together with over 20 Malagasy project staff that they trained over the years. The Malagasy government has given the MFG long-term authority to manage the entire 725-acre Parc Ivoloina Forestry Station, which includes the Ivoloina Zoo and Environmental Education Center. The MFG also partners with Madagascar's national Association for the Management of Protected Areas (ANGAP) for conservation research and protection of Betampona Natural Reserve.
Updates on the MFG's work in Madagascar can be found on its website SaveTheLemur.org.