Operation Wallacea in Madagascar: Day 5
Day 5 – Matsedroy 17/06/2024 – Monday
Insightful doesn’t even cover what we learnt today as we explored the Matsedroy campsite. We were spilt into four groups to maximise our learning. The day consisted of three different surveys for each group with breaks and one lecture just after lunch. Group A started with bird point count and spotted the chirpy white- whistling duck. Luckily group D they enjoyed a leisurely morning before their spider survey started at 9:30 am. For the spider collection it is crucial that they die so that they can be studied properly. They were killed by pouring alcohol so that their death was relatively quick and painless. After this, they were brought back to camp and carefully studied by experts in order to find out the variety and abundance of them.
Everyone was very grateful to return to camp for some relaxing down time in the shade and our lunch, which was rice and beans. The surveys continued into the afternoon as the groups did completely different things, once again to help broaden our horizons. Some of the surveys were lake birds for two groups, where they walked to the water and they spotted the vibrantly coloured King Fishers and a herd of Zebu, an animal endemic to Madagascar. The other two groups did butterflies and forest plots. For the forest plots you learn about carbon sequestration and it’s important in conversation. Additionally, students counted how many trees were in a 20x20m square in order to discover how the trees in the area have changed and why.
At dinner, everyone had a massive surprise as ketchup and mayo were sprawled out on the table. The surprise continued when the local cooks brought out pasta and potatoes, which tasted amazing.
Robyn, Rhia & Annika
