A.E.E.C.L Lemur Consortium

Background

The Association Européenne pour l’Étude et la Conservation des Lémuriens (A.E.E.C.L) is a charitable NGO run by a consortium of European Zoos, working for Madagascar’s highly endangered lemurs, through cooperation with the Malagasy people.

The Sahamalaza region has been the A.E.E.C.L’s focus of scientific and conservation interest since 1988. The critically endangered blue-eyed black, or Sclater’s, lemur is endemic to this part of Madagascar, and has been selected by the A.E.E.C.L as the flagship species for all conservation efforts concerning the region.

The A.E.E.C.L aims to protect the habitat and ecosystems within the Sahamalaza peninsula, monitor and increase lemur populations and be a strong conservation ambassador for the area. A vital part of the work of the A.E.E.C.L is to monitor the lemur numbers and research the local ecosystems to have a better understanding of the pressures faced by these habitats.

Achievements and Objectives

The AEECL aims to advance the understanding and conservation of Madagascar’s lemur populations through scientific research, captive propagation and protection of their natural habitat.

Investment in local communities through education, resource management and communication helps ensure the communities of today can forge a safe haven for wildlife tomorrow.

In 2024, Colchester Zoological Society gave its £1,747.34 membership fee to support the work of AEECL.

In 2024, during the Regional Reforestation event, the AEECL planted 50 trees in Anahidrano village, about 25km north of Antsohihy. The project’s main site for the reforestation programme is in Andranotsiritry; the reforestation area begins at the edges of the Andranotsiritry forest and extends over a vast savannah. During the planting season, 6,586 young plants from four species were provided by the 2 community nurseries and these were planted over 10 acres. Young plants continue to be checked over and watered and the area around them tidied to help with the tree growth.

AEECL support the women in local communities in Antsohihy and in celebration of International Women’s Day in 2024, provided 25 T-shirts, and a special celebration meal to all participants who represented AEECL.

AEECL subsidises 78 teacher wages from 3 communes to ensure they are earning a salary whilst teaching the children good skills, including nature-based studies. By subsidising their salaries, the AEECL can improve the educational programmes of the local communities.

The team attended the biodiversity annual event in Anjiabory which included a celebration lunch, information stands, speeches by the authorities in attendance and networking with the NGOs who work in the Sofia region. AEECL donated to support the celebration.

A Master’s research student, supported by AEECL, studied at various locations throughout the area, looking at ‘assessing the potential for soil restoration in rice paddies in the Sahamalaza region, using soil tests and social science.’ The AEECL helped the student to organise her research permit, organised a Malagasy student to assist her and supported her data collection.

The AEECL hosted another day of road repairs which saw 178 people attend from four villages and approximately 17km of road either fixed or newly created. Most of the worst sections were fixed and AEECL provided food for the event.