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The Lemur Lab: Conservation Where It Happens

Conservation Research

Centre ValBio (CVB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Ranomafana National Park’s unique biodiversity, with a special focus on lemurs, through scientific research, conservation programs, and community engagement.

About Centre ValBio

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Centre ValBio takes a robust, multi-faceted approach, their work includes:

Conducting long-term field research on lemurs and other endangered species. Each year, over 100 scientists study topics like ecology, biology, human health, engineering, education, economics, art, archaeology, sociology, and anthropology.

Monitoring forest health and key habitats to guide conservation strategies. For more than 12 years, CVB has led reforestation efforts to restore lemur homes. All trees are native to the region, and the program maintains 12 nurseries with help from 23 villages, 19 schools, and local specialists.

Engaging local communities through education programs. CVB works with 20 conservation clubs to inspire action and build long-term care for wildlife and forests.

Supporting human health as part of ecosystem health. CVB has provided medical care for over 15 years. A mobile clinic with doctors, nurses, midwives, and social workers visits 24 villages each year to provide disease treatment, family planning, malnutrition care, hygiene education, and other community health support.

Training the next generation of Malagasy conservationists. CVB hosts eight study-abroad programs each year, bringing students from around the world to learn about Madagascar’s wildlife, forests, and communities through hands-on experience.

How we work together

In October 2023, SOSA teamed up with Centre ValBio on a media project to give audiences a closer look at their work deep in the wild of Madagascar. Our team, along with host of Little Curiosities, Kendall Long, went behind the scenes with CVB’s research technicians, helping set up traps to collect data on mouse lemurs and exploring the exhibits at the Ranomafana Nature Center.

Through this project, we brought the day-to-day of field research to life, showing how scientists study lemurs, track habitats, and protect Madagascar’s unique ecosystems.

The footage and stories from this project make the science and conservation work accessible to a global audience, helping people understand and connect with Madagascar’s wildlife while supporting CVB’s research, education, and community initiatives.

Learn more about Centre ValBio’s impressive initiatives and ways you can support their mission at www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/centre-valbio/