In 1988, the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) supported the creation of the Madagascar Fauna Group (MFG), in response to a request from the Government of Madagascar for assistance in endangered species conservation. The MFG is an international consortium of zoological parks, research centers, and other institutions. The group is managed by a steering committee that is assisted by a diverse group of scientific advisors from universities and conservation NGOs. The Director of the DLC is a steering committee member.

Over its 20+-year history, the MFG has developed a successful in-country conservation program, headquartered in Tamatave on Madagascar’s east coast. From 1988-2004, this program was led by DLC Staff Andrea Katz and Charlie Welch who worked together with Malagasy project staff that they trained over the years. The Malagasy government has given the MFG long-term authority to manage the entire 450-acre  Ivoloina Forestry Station, which includes the Ivoloina Zoo, Environmental Education Center, Training Center, Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Station, reforestation tree nurseries, and a network of interpretive trails. The MFG also partners with the government’s Madagascar National Park (MNP) for conservation, research, and protection of Betampona Natural Reserve.

Updates on the MFG’s work in Madagascar can be found on its website SaveTheLemur.org.