Mentors: Chloe Chen-Kraus
& Lydia Greene
Early-career mentor: Njara Raharinoro 

Timeline: July - Oct 2026
 

Background:  Critically Endangered white sifakas (Propithecus verreauxi) face extremely high temperatures in southern Madagascar, and heat stress is becoming an increasing threat due to climate change. We previously documented sifakas hugging cool tree trunks, resting in tree holes, and engaging in evaporative cooling via panting and licking their hands to cope with heat in the dry forests of the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR). Here, we will expand on this work by comparing ambient temperatures, tree trunk surface temperatures, the presence of tree holes, and water content in sifaka foods and feces, across the dry, spiny, and gallery forests of BMSR.

Outcomes: The results of this work will shed light on how sifakas deal with heat across different habitats, while identifying resources that are critical for sifakas to survive in a rapidly changing climate. This initiative will provide research and training for a recent Master's graduate from the University of Antananarivo, as well as opportunity for a recent Malagasy PhD to gain mentorship experience.

For supporters interested in more details, please email us at madagap.inc@gmail.com. We would be happy to send more information or a full proposal.

Itemized budget: $4,500 USD
Stipends: $1,600

• Student stipend: $275/month x 2 mo = $550

• Part-time stipend early-career mentor: $150/mo x 3 mo = $450

• Local guides: $12/day x 50 days = $600

Transportation: $600

• Car and gas expenses: $500, estimated

• Hotels en route: $16/night x 6 nights = $96

Field work & gear: $2,300

• Food for the team: $200/month x 2 mo = $400

• Camp fees: $6/day x 50 days = $300

• Cook fees: $30/month x 2 mo = $60

• Research fees: $36/month x 2 mo = $72

• Temperature loggers: $95/unit x 9 units = $855

• High precision scale: $370

• Solar dehydrator: $100

• Headlamps, batteries, ziplocks = $130