Nagarathna Balakrishna
Madagascar’s lemurs are under severe threat of extinction. As the country faces the challenges associated with a growing human population, the fate of many lemurs, including the indri (Indri indri), is in jeopardy. Habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and climate change severely threaten indri populations across their range. Ecotourism is considered a conservation strategy that has the potential to support local communities while protecting endangered wildlife and their habitats. Understanding how habitat structure and ecotourism affect lemur populations is therefore crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and sustainable ecotourism.
he team identifying tree species, measuring DBH, and recording phenology inside a vegetation plot in Parc Mitsinjo. ©Nagarathna Balakrishna/The Ohio State University
This study aims to identify factors critical to the survival of this species, even in highly disturbed habitats, that support the indri’s adaptability in changing environments and evaluate the potential impacts of ecotourism. Specifically, we will compare diet, ranging, cortisol levels, and parasite load of four groups across two sites- Parc Mitsinjo, a community-managed forest and an ecotourism site, adjoining the Analamazaotra Special Reserve and La Mananara in the Anjozorabe-Angavo Protected Area, which vary in degrees of anthropogenic disturbance.
At Parc Mitsinjo, we will assess ecotourism pressure by recording human-lemur interactions, tourist and guide behaviors, and evaluating how these factors influence indri behavior, ecology, and physiology. The findings will inform the development of ecotourism management guidelines and conservation awareness programs for tourists, guides, and school children. This research will provide valuable insights into conservation management by understanding the mechanisms that enable primates to persist in altered habitats.
The main objectives of this study are:
1. To understand the impacts of ecotourism and habitat structure on indri behaviour and health across Parc Mitsinjo and La Mananara
2. To assess habitat structure and composition across both sites
3. To increase local conservation awareness using theatre-based skit performances and distribution of outreach materials
4. To build local capacity by training and supporting Malagasy student researchers and guides
5. To develop ecotourism management and evidence-based guidelines for sustainable ecotourism