Location:

Antananarivo, Madagascar

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The primary purpose of this program is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn first-hand about primate biodiversity, extinction, forest fragmentation and conservation in Madagascar, one of the world’s foremost biodiversity hotspots. The program will focus on building an experiential knowledge of: 1. Madagascar’s existing biodiversity, especially its >100 primate species. 2. The 16 primate species that have been lost to extinction in the past few thousand years. 3. The complexities and challenges of conservation in this third-world nation. This course is intended to expand upon students’ theoretical background in either primatology, biology, or conservation biology.

1) See first-hand the world’s leading collection of subfossil lemurs at the Department of Palaeontology and Biological Anthropology at the University of Antananarivo, and have the chance to participate in research projects using these rare specimens. 2) See first-hand rare and threatened Malagasy lemurs, such as the diademed sifaka, the aye-aye, and the greater bamboo lemur. 3) Experience how primatological research projects are carried out, from the conception and design, through data collection, analysis and presentation. 4) Work alongside Malagasy students and research assistants 5) Meet with and learn about local community associations in rural Madagascar, and the unique challenges they face in basic subsistence, health and education. 6) Visit subfossil field sites in the Sambaina basin north of Antsirabe.

Setting Description:

The program will take place in Madagascar. Madagascar is a large island (sometimes called the eighth continent) located off the southeastern coast of Africa. Although often considered an “African country”, Madagascar was actually first colonized by people from present-day Indonesia, and the island is a true mix (in terms of culture, language and human genetics) of Southeast Asia and Africa.

Cost:

The program cost pays for the following cost related services: 1) Housing throughout the program. 2) All meals. 3) Program-related land transportation in Madagascar. 4) Admission fees to cultural and historical sites visited as part of the daily schedule. 5) Fee for acquiring a visa to enter Madagascar. 6) NIU tuition for 6 hours of undergraduate or graduate credit. 7) NIU major medical insurance for the duration of the program. PROGRAM COST: $2,850