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Citizen science mission in HERPETOLOGY: study the chameleons and other reptiles of Makay! Find out about all our scientific expeditions here.
Citizen science to gain a better understanding of the Makay massif
The Makay Massif, situated in south-western Madagascar, is a unique ecosystem, rich in endemic biodiversity, protected in part by its natural isolation. However, this sanctuary is increasingly under threat from human activities, notably bushfires, poaching and the illegal harvesting of natural resources. These activities are damaging its fragile ecosystems and endangering rare species and their habitats.
Establishing a protected area in Madagascar
To help establish a protected area designed to preserve this exceptional ecosystem, our partner has developed a range of scientific conservation initiatives. These include citizen science expeditions aimed at improving and updating our understanding of the Makay massif, its biodiversity and the history of human settlement in the region.
Participants can help with population monitoring, behavioural studies and surveys of flora and fauna. Depending on the project and the skills available, they may also assist researchers with their fieldwork, help with mapping the Makay or take part in archaeological surveys.
Identify key taxonomic groups
Monitoring and documenting the biodiversity of Makay provides valuable scientific evidence to support the establishment of a protected area and its long-term sustainable management.
The aim of these expeditions is to identify the most significant threatened taxonomic groups, and then to draw up and implement conservation action plans. Scientific research can provide valuable information on the health of natural ecosystems, the ecosystem services they provide and their relationship with local communities.
These expeditions complement other projects involving trips to remote and hard-to-reach areas of the Makay to search for rare species and improve geographical knowledge of the region.
Species and groups studied
- Lemurs: 11 species have been recorded. Verreaux’s sifakas and red-fronted lemurs are monitored using daytime transects, whilst night-time surveys are carried out to observe species such as microcetes.
- Reptiles and amphibians: active surveys in rivers and forests enable the identification of snakes, chameleons and amphibians, with the aid of specialist field guides.
- Birds: regular bird surveys are carried out in accordance with protocols established in 2017. Depending on the participants’ expertise and the project’s requirements, birds may also be captured and monitored individually as part of long-term studies.
- Insects and other arthropods: identifying and photographing the mountain range’s tiniest inhabitants helps to document its lesser-known biodiversity.
- Plants: botanical surveys are carried out throughout the year in collaboration with expert botanists.
- Fungi: no comprehensive survey has yet been carried out, but a project is awaiting a partnership with a mycologist.
Your role as a reptile eco-volunteer
The Makay Massif is home to a rich diversity of herpetofauna, including several species of chameleons, snakes, lizards and tortoises… This represents a major conservation challenge, as a large proportion of the world’s species are now under threat. Reptiles also serve as valuable bioindicators for assessing the conservation status of natural habitats.
As an eco-volunteer, you will join the team of eco-rangers, helping to carry out various data-collection procedures (observation, identification, counting, measurement, etc.).
Our partner’s trainers are responsible for teaching you the scientific method, so that you can gradually familiarise yourself with the protocols whilst developing a better understanding of the environment in which you work.
You are helping to:
If any of you have a scientific background or specific skills in the field under study, you can also contribute directly to the eco-guards’ professional development!
Date and Fees
|
Departure from Tana |
Back to Tana |
Duration |
Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
|
14 March 2027 |
2 April 2027 |
3 weeks (Herpetology Special) |
€2,750 |
|
20 June 2027 |
2 July 2027 |
2 weeks (Herpetology Special) |
€2,000 |
The total cost of your shipment, including the international flight, entitles you to a tax relief: 66 per cent for private individuals, 75 per cent if you are liable for IFI (property wealth tax), and 60 per cent for businesses.
Not included in the price
- International flights and airport charges
- Personal kit (tent, clothing, walking boots, sleeping bag, water bottle, rucksack, head torch, etc.)
- Anti-malarial treatment and vaccines; Entry visa for Madagascar
- Additional drinks and snacks, as well as souvenirs
- Hotel accommodation and any other expenses outside the official dates of the expedition
- Travel cancellation insurance for your flights
Included in the price
- Logistics costs
- Transport*, meals and hotel accommodation
- The on-site expedition team and its management
- All the equipment needed for the expedition
- Advance preparation and coordination to ensure your stay runs smoothly
* Please note: transport is the main item of expenditure for the expedition. Travelling to Makay is a long journey that requires a significant amount of fuel. The tracks are particularly challenging, which means our partner has to use high-quality vehicles, resulting in higher hire costs and almost inevitable repair costs. For safety reasons, the vehicles must also remain with the team for the entire duration of the expedition, which considerably extends the hire period and the associated costs.
- Management and administration fees
- Monitoring and evaluating the results and impact of the expeditions
- Promotion and communication relating to expeditions
- Administrative processing of registrations
- Evacuation/repatriation and third-party liability insurance
- Membership of the partner organisation
- Donation to the conservation programme
- Salaries of project staff working in the field throughout the year
- Research and development of conservation strategies and practical solutions aimed at protecting the whole of Makay
- Travel required by project teams to develop and implement the programme
- Day-to-day management and fundraising activities in France, which are essential to the success of the conservation programme
- Purchases and investments required for the development and successful implementation of conservation projects
As well as your direct contribution, your presence is essential because:
As an eco-volunteer, you become an ambassador for raising awareness of the environmental and social challenges facing these regions, both in France and internationally.
You are helping to raise awareness of the challenges facing these regions and to highlight the conservation and development initiatives led by our partner. By taking part, you are contributing to international citizenship and solidarity, becoming a global citizen committed to protecting some of the planet’s last bastions of biodiversity and to empowering local communities.
Essential financial support
Your participation in the expedition is regarded as a donation and helps to fund a range of local and sustainable development initiatives run by our partner organisation in Indonesia, Madagascar and France.
- Field guidance: these expeditions are led by our local partner, in particular by the rangers, who are also among the foremost experts on the Makay forests. Some expeditions may also be accompanied by Malagasy and/or international researchers.
- Expedition activities: the scientific protocols and activities specific to each expedition are planned approximately one month before departure, based on the needs identified in the field.
- Remote locations: you’ll find yourself immersed in particularly remote and spectacular areas, discovering a new culture and unique natural ecosystems. This is a unique adventure that will take you far beyond your usual surroundings and comfort zone, whilst enabling you to contribute to the protection of the remarkable biodiversity of the Makay massif.
- Unforeseen circumstances and the nature of the expedition: field expeditions are subject to unforeseen circumstances and are not organised ecotourism trips. Eco-volunteering is an adventure, and your activities may vary depending on conditions on the ground, but your contribution will always be invaluable.
- Physical fitness: you must be in good physical condition. A pre-departure medical check-up is compulsory.
- No scientific qualifications required! You don’t need any scientific training or specific qualifications – just motivation, enthusiasm and a keen desire to learn!
- What we’re looking for in you: above all, we’re looking for positive, easy-going and energetic volunteers!
The venue
The Makay Massif, situated in south-western Madagascar, is a vast labyrinth of canyons covering 4,000 km², shaped by the erosion of crystalline rock formations dating back several hundred million years.
This unique landscape, composed of towering formations of yellow sandstone, is home to forest-covered plateaus and vegetation typical of dry environments, whilst its deep canyons harbour lush, humid vegetation. This largely unexplored hotspot of biodiversity is home to rare and endemic species, protected in part by the region’s natural isolation. The camp may be moved once during the expedition, but it generally remains in the same location so that the team can carry out its research protocols effectively.
Food
Meals are prepared using provisions bought in the capital, supplemented by local produce supplied by the villagers. Depending on the season, this may include mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, green vegetables, mutton, turkey, chicken and other local produce.
Everyone is welcome to help with meal preparation and washing up. You will drink water from local rivers, which can easily be filtered. The water used for cooking is always boiled by the team. A few beers and soft drinks may occasionally be available in local villages. Some meals are also shared in the villages, allowing you to discover traditional Malagasy cuisine whilst supporting local communities.
Transport
The journey from the capital to the Makay Mountains is made in a 4×4 vehicle.
Linen
As conditions on the ground are very basic, there is no conventional laundry service. Clothes are washed by hand using environmentally friendly natural soap and locally available water. We recommend bringing light, quick-drying clothing.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
About our partner organisation
Since 2009, our partner organisation has been actively working to protect and promote the last remaining threatened biodiversity hotspots, notably the Makay Massif (Madagascar) and the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia), two areas of exceptional ecological richness. Born out of scientific and naturalist expeditions, our partner works hand in hand with local and international interdisciplinary researchers to study and document the richness of these unique ecosystems. At the same time, the organisation works closely with local communities to develop a holistic approach to sustainable development, focusing on social, environmental and economic aspects. Through documentaries, exhibitions and educational programmes, our partner introduces these areas to the general public and raises awareness of the urgent need to protect them.
