•

•

Mahajanga

Andasibe–MantadiaNational Park

Ranomafana National Park

AnkarafantsikaNational Park

Indian Ocean

MozambiqueChannel

Fianarantsoa

MADAGASCAR

Antananarivo

International Council of Advisors Expedition to Madagascar September 15–25, 2015

Join wildlife biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Luke Dollar on an expedition to Madagascar, where Society–sponsored research projects to help preserve the island’s extraordinary biodiversity are underway. Thanks to Madagascar’s natural isolation from the mainland, roughly 90 percent of its plant and animal species, including the celebrated lemurs, are endemic. Luke Dollar, who has spent more than two decades doing fieldwork on the island, will accompany the entire expedition, providing insights into Madagascar’s rich and varied wildlife as well as threats to its future.

Itinerary–11 DaysU.S./ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR

September 15 and 16. Depart the U.S. independently on an overnight fl ight to Madagascar. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and join Luke Dollar for a welcome dinner in the colorful capital of Antananarivo. Hôtel Tamboho (D)

ANDASIBE–MANTADIA NATIONAL PARK

September 17 and 18. Explore Andasibe−Mantadia National Park, a dense rain forest that is home to the endangered indri, the largest species of lemur. Track the indri on a morning walk with local

naturalists and listen for the lemurs’ eerie calls resonating in the canopy overhead. Discover abundant wildlife among the thick vegetation and, later, spot nocturnal creatures on a night walk. Th e forest holds more than 100 types of birds, a wide variety of wild orchids, and more than 50 species of reptiles, including the largest chameleons on the island, and other species no bigger than your pinky.Andasibe Hôtel (B, L, D)

RANOMAFANA NATIONAL PARK

September 19 and 20. Return to Antananarivo and take a local fl ight to Fianarantsoa. Continue overland to Ranomafana National Park, a rain forest

Ring-tailed lemur, Madagascar

Wildlife biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Luke Dollar first went to Madagascar as an undergraduate field assistant in 1994, and went on to conduct

research there for more than two decades on the island’s fossas—catlike nocturnal mammals—and the lemurs on which they prey. The rate of habitat loss he witnessed convinced him that scientists must find effective ways to inform and influence public policy. Luke now manages the Society’s Big Cats Initiative.

National Geographic Expertof critical interest to international conservation scientists for its rich biodiversity. As we explore the park, keep an eye out for rare bird species such as the brown mesite, Henst’s goshawk, and the yellow-bellied sunbird-asity, as well as 12 species of lemurs, including the golden bamboo lemur. Dine at the new Centre ValBio, a cutting-edge research station, and discuss current research and community-based projects with Luke. Centrest Séjour (B, L, D)

MAHAJANGA

September 21 and 22. Return to Fianarantsoa and take a local flight to Mahajanga. Explore the vibrant town on a stroll down the esplanade lined with coconut palms. Visit the ongoing excavation site of the Mahajanga Basin Project, where renowned paleontologist and many-time National Geographic grantee David Krause discovered dinosaur and other vertebrate fossils that helped shed light on the timeline of Madagascar’s split from the supercontinent of Gondwana. Meet with one of David’s colleagues for an in-depth look at the findings at Mahajanga and ongoing community-based projects. The next day, drive to

Chameleon, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Bamboo Lemur, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park

Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

For more information or to reserve your place, please call Masha Levin at 1-800-224-1894.

EXPEDITION COST: $15,350Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,325. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost.

Ankarafantsika National Park, where Luke has based much of his research on the elusive fossa, a catlike predator found only in Madagascar. In the afternoon, pay a visit to a tortoise breeding area. Karibu Lodge (B, L, D)

ANTANANARIVO

September 23. Return by local flight to Antananarivo. Visit the market to browse a broad and colorful array of local crafts, or enjoy free time to explore on your own. This evening gather for cocktails and a farewell dinner with fellow travelers. Hotel Tamboho (B, L, D)

ANTANANARIVO/U.S.

September 24 and 25. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your overnight flights home, arriving the next day. (B)

Ploughshare tortoise, Madagascar