Field notes #9

My Forest Adventure: Ten Weeks of Discovery and Learning ​

Text by Diary Randriamora, a Malagasy student who spent last summer working with our research group in Ranomafana through the National Geographic Society's STEM Field Assistant Mentorship program

I spent ten weeks in the rainforest of Ranomafana, Madagascar, working on a research project about lemurs and their environment. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. In this text, I will share some of the highlights and challenges of my forest adventure.

One of the challenges I faced was communicating in English with the American researchers who were part of the project. English is not my native language, and I was not very fluent in it. However, I didn’t give up and tried to learn from them. They were very patient and supportive, and they helped me improve my language skills. As a Malagasy proverb says, “tsy misy mafy tsy laitry ny zoto”. (lit. meaning: nothing is hard with diligence). 

Diary in the rainforest of Ranomafana National Park

Working in a rainforest that rains a lot is itself also very challenging. One day, we had a heavy rainstorm on our way to our campsite in Valohoaka. The rain was so strong that it soaked my rain boots and made my feet swell. I also had many leeches stuck to my feet, which was very unpleasant. But I did not let that ruin my mood, because I knew that rain was essential for this tropical forest ecosystem. I embraced the adventure and enjoyed every moment!

Diary holding a red-fronted brown lemur

One of the things I enjoyed the most was watching lemur captures and holding three different species of lemurs: Eulemur rubriventer, E. ruffifrons and Varecia variegata editorium (my favorite!), as a team of veterinarian and technicians checked their health and put GPS collars on them. It was the first time in my life that I touched a lemur, and I felt a strong connection with these amazing animals.

I also enjoyed following and observing the lemurs’ daily activities every day. I learned a lot about their behavior, diet, social interactions, and adaptations to the forest environment. Sometimes they would run away too far and I would lose sight of them, but that was part of their natural instincts. I also appreciated the opportunity to discuss scientific articles with my mentor Dr. Razafindratsima and another student participating in the research program; such healthy discussions helped me get a better understanding of various ecological concepts and think about future research.

Diary surveying seedlings under a seed trap

I came home feeling inspired and ready to go on the next adventure. One of the things that inspired me the most was the story that my mentor shared with us about her experiences and how she achieved her goals as a researcher. She also gave me valuable advice and feedback, improving my research skills.

Diary watching lemurs in Ranomafana NP

I also participated in a new project that the lab set-up to gain a better understanding of plant-frugivore interactions in the system. This project involved both field work and lab work. It was also the first time that I did some practical lab work, such as using a pipette to measure samples. I was nervous at first, but Dr. Tonos, who also mentored and trained me along with Dr. Razafindratsima, was very helpful and encouraging.

I have a message for those who love research like me: don’t be afraid to try something you like and see as beneficial for you because there is always a good way behind adventure. Be determined to achieve your goals and don’t let them be just dreams!