TDARFAC Newsletter

Solving Critical Conservation Problems

Issue 1 | Summer 2023

Welcome! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Applied conservation is essentially conservation "in action.” TDARFAC was officially formed as a private operating foundation in March 2023 with the intention to bridge the divide between cutting-edge research and work on the ground by generating practical conservation interventions and assessing project outcomes rigorously and scientifically.

We have three primary objectives to fulfill this vision. The first is to build capacity as a consortium of international scientists and external specialists to facilitate field-based research and community-led conservation projects in primate habitat countries. The second is to amplify the voices of university students and early-career scientists in lower- and middle-income countries through project development, funding, mentorship, and support. The third is to partner with local communities to implement these initiatives.

ANTANANARIVO LAUNCH PARTY HIGHLIGHTS REEL

We will accomplish our goals by funding direct research based on the guidance and recommendations of the advisory council and soliciting grant proposals and award nominations annually.

We anticipate funding 10 conservation research projects in Spring 2024 as well as conferring two awards for exceptional contributions to the field of conservation and preservation of biodiversity. We will also continue supporting our current initiatives.

Introducing Our Madagascar Team

Dr. Rindra Rakotoarivony is human population geneticist and lemur conservationist leading our efforts on the ground in Madagascar as In-Country Director.

Ange Raharinirina is our Logistics Operations Manager and a veterinary medicine student at the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Advisory Council is the most integral component to our operations. Our council is comprised of over 20 leading experts representing a vast array of specialties from business and finance to veterinary medicine, chemistry, and health, to ecology, nutrition, genetics, botany, and animal behavior.

MANTADIA-ANALAMAZOATRA REFORESTATION CORRIDOR • STUDENT FIELD TRAINING PROGRAMS • STUDENT MENTORING • NEW NATURE FOUNDATION • MAD DOG INITIATIVE • PLANET MADAGASCAR • CONSERVATION RESEARCH GRANTS • BIODIVERSITY GRANTS

RECENT EVENTS

May — June Action

Foundation launch parties in Rockford, Illinois and Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Malagasy student mentorship meeting at the University of Antananarivo with Drs. Jean-Freddy Ranaivoarisoa, Brigitte Raharivololona, Mitch Irwin and Mr. Jean-Luc Raharison from partner NGO SADABE.

Lunch with university student mentees and Mad Dog Initiative representatives.

Tsinjoarivo Protected Area

Stocking up on the staple provisions — beans and rice.

Diademed sifaka capture/release with Drs. Karine Mahefarisoa and Mitch Irwin.

Hike back to camp from where sifaka group was located early in the morning.

Seedling Planting Inauguration & Reforestation Corridor Kick-Off

Partnerships with Ecovision Village, Mad Dog Initiative, & Association Mitsinjo located in the Andasibe region, Eastern Madagascar.

Ecovision Village tree seedling nursery.

The diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) is a Critically Endangered lemur species — several family groups were translocated to Analamazoatra Reserve to improve their chances of survival.

Soil sample collection team for the reforestation project.

Marojejy National Park

The Lemur Conservation Foundation including Dr. Erik Patel hosted us in Marojejy National Park located in Northeastern Madagascar.

The silky sifaka (Propithecus candidus) is a Critically Endangered lemur species found only in this geographic area.

TDARFAC Executive Director spoke about our work and the behavioral ecology of sifakas.

Participants included local University (CURSA) professor and students, Missouri Botanical Garden, representatives from DREDD (forest service), Director of Alliance Francaise, founder of Antanetiambo Nature Reserve (Désiré Rabary), founder of Anolakely Nature Reserve (Jackson), Macolline, and numerous senior Marojejy research guides.

August Action

We are so excited to announce that TDARFAC and MDI just received a Charity Pot Grant from LUSH Cosmetics to support our Reforestation Corridor Initiative. Look for our Charity Pot body lid to be released soon!

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Our long-term vision is to support novel scientific applications while leveraging existing knowledge to solve real-world problems — to embody the pragmatism of “actionable science.”

Thank you for allowing us to share with you the excitement and focus we have for the future. Stay tuned for insightful content that keeps you updated on our projects and initiatives.

~ Together, let’s make a difference. ~

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