In preparation for the imminent launch of its mobile application, Madagascar Lemurs Portal’s team conducted a test of the tool with FAPBM and GERP staff at Analamazaotra National Park in Andasibe, led by Lova Truong Rakotoarimanana, Lemurs Portal Project Manager. Madagascar Lemurs Portal is an innovative mobile application that allows users to discover lemurs and contribute to the inventory of species found. Financed by FAPBM and Re:wild the American Foundation, and implemented by GERP and a team of dedicated experts, this innovative application contributes to the promotion of ecotourism and environmental education, and above all to the proper management of lemur habitats, which are protected areas.
Helping the ecological monitoring of lemurs in protected areas
For almost two years, the experts at Madagascar Lemurs Portal have been implementing a series of innovations to enable everyone to contribute to the ecological monitoring of lemurs in protected areas. Protected area managers, in collaboration with local communities, carry out regular ecological monitoring of the biodiversity conserved in protected areas. They collect data on pressure, threats and species inventories. The data collected provides information on the state of ecosystem health and ecosystem services.
The managers of the protected areas were therefore closely involved in developing the new features of the mobile application. In the protected areas of Loky Manambato, Mandrozo, Tsimembo, Andasibe, Antrema, Beanka, Analalava and Manombo, the test series involved a wide range of stakeholders: students, schoolchildren, scientists, protected area managers, local communities, tourists and now conservation professionals.
This new version of the mobile application will allow users to easily record data such as the photo, species name, location and activity of lemurs encountered in the field. Data collected in this way is automatically transmitted to protected area managers to supplement the information they have available. A “Threats and Pressures” portal can also be used to report confirmed cases. This final test, carried out with experts from the FAPBM, helped to finalise the application before it was launched on the Playstore.
Re:wild US Foundation grant renewed
An exciting new step for Madagascar Lemurs Portal is the renewal of Re:Wild’s grant through 2023. At USD 25,000, this renewed funding will ensure the continuity of this visionary project and allow lemur conservation efforts to continue in Madagascar. This funding complements FAPBM’s financial contribution of the same amount.
Madagascar Lemur Portal is an inspiring example of research, policy and technology working together to conserve biodiversity. Accessible through a website, the digital platform provides a means of sharing information and knowledge and is playing a crucial role in the conservation of lemurs and their precious habitat. Today, a promising step in this conservation adventure is underway with the completion of the mobile application.
