The human factor in mouse lemur (Microcebus griseorufus) conservation: local resource utilization and habitat disturbance at Beza Mahafaly special reserve, SW Madagascar

Emilienne Rasoazanabary

This project focuses on the interactions between local people and lemurs at Beza Mahafaly (SW Madagascar).  The target species is the smallest of endemic primate species at this reserve, Microcebus griseorufus, the gray-brown mouse lemur.  Preliminary research has demonstrated surprisingly low concentrations of mouse lemurs in certain habitats at Beza.  The degree of human disturbance in “protected” habitats is sometimes high; resources used by mouse lemurs are regularly cut.  This project will study natural resource use, agronomic practices and attitudes of the people of the region of Beza Mahafaly, and how these practices affect the mouse lemurs.