A naturalist expedition was organized by the Naturevolution association to study its natural resources, compile an inventory of its biodiversity and develop local programs for environmental education and eco-tourism. Ultimately, the goal is to obtain the status of Protected Area, both nationally and internationally: an ambitious project which has 100% support of the Petzl Foundation!
 

The scientific expedition

This first international scientific expedition has brought together adozen researchers from several institutes and universities (Missouri Botanical Garden, Natural History Museums of Paris and Toulouse ...) and Malagasy researchers. Accompanied by climbers and cavers, scientists have gained access to the most remote and highly inaccessible areas, to collect full wall samples, for example.

Major discoveries

This wealth of expertise resulted in an extremely rich first exploration and the scientific results have exceeded expectations: more than 300 different plant species collected, including several new indigenous species. A first inventory of biodiversity has been compiled by biologists. Many zoological observations were made and ichthyologists have even caught a little fish named Pachypanchax, absolutely unexpected in this region. As for archaeology, dozens of burial sites and two caves with rock paintings were discovered.

A great deal of laboratory work remains to be done to clarify and thoroughly analyze the various samples collected throughout the expedition and the final results are not expected until at least next year, but the results are already outstanding.

A lost paradise

Unfortunately, this unique paradise will not survive long. In recent decades, man has already burned almost all the forests in the Makay. The scientific team believes that there are only a few years of survival left for most of the ecosystems they visited. Bush fires are the principal scourge and nothing can be preserved if emergency measures to halt this phenomenon are not taken. Preserving natural habitats is one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. The conservation of Makay’s natural resources is the ultimate goal of the Naturevolution association. Getting Protected Area status and the ensuing development program for the Makay will very much depend on the results of this vital expedition and the scientific recommendations.

For more information:

www.makaynature.org