Madagascar: Ecology and Conservation

Beginning Spring 2010, this program will be titled:

Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management


Program Overview

Study ecology in an island nation that has been isolated from other landmasses for more than one hundred million years. Madagascar’s unique evolutionary path has produced an immeasurable contribution to the world’s biodiversity—more than 80 percent of the flora and fauna are endemic. Classroom and field-based instruction in natural and social scientific methods encourage students to analyze environmental issues in an array of ecosystems, including rainforests, dry spiny forests, alpine and transitional forests, savanna, gallery and littoral forests, mangroves, and coral reefs.

Studies in French and Malagasy, combined with a homestay, a village stay, and numerous excursions to national parks, offer students a balanced social- and natural-science view and perspective on long-term conservation and the development needs of local populations.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research