Biological Research Volunteering in Madagascar

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Travel to the island of Nosy Be in Madagascar to research its many exotic species in an effort to preserve the region’s biodiversity. As the world’s fourth largest island, Madagascar boasts ecologically diverse landscapes that are home to species not found anywhere else! Our aim is to conduct vital research to inform local governments about how to design new projects that will manage and protect the ecosystems. So come and gain experience in the field of environmental science and truly contribute to wildlife conservation. Volunteers are trained in a number of techniques in order to assess and evaluate the area’s bionetworks. These include snake pinning, morphometric data collection and live trapping techniques such as Sherman and Pitfall trapping. You’ll learn to compile species inventory, compare various habitats as well as map vegetation, resource usage and levels of human disturbance. Volunteers will survey plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians including species like the Black Lemur, various snakes, chameleons and geckos. You’ll also get the chance to contribute to the local community through educational outreach.

Experience hands-on conservation in Madagascar’s coastal forests through SEED Madagascar’s Conservation Research Programme. Based in the biodiverse region of Sainte Luce, Southeast Madagascar, this initiative has offered volunteers the opportunity to work alongside expert researchers and Malagasy field guides for over 20 years. Volunteers have participated in critical projects, including lemur monitoring, endangered species surveys, reforestation, and environmental education. Participants gain practical field experience while contributing to vital scientific research and community-driven conservation efforts. From tracking rare amphibians to supporting sustainable development, this immersive programme allows you to make a meaningful impact in one of the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots. Programme Details: 📍 Location: Sainte Luce, Southeast Madagascar 🗓️ Duration: 2–8 weeks 📆 Sessions: January, April, July, and October 🏕️ Accommodation: On-site forest research camp Whether you’re an aspiring conservationist or passionate nature lover, make a lasting impact in one of the most ecologically significant regions on Earth.

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The Madagascar project is spread between a terrestrial site in the Mahamavo forest and the marine site in Nosy Be, both in the northern part of this incredibly biodiverse country. The terrestrial projects focus on biodiversity assessment for a number of species: herpetofauna, chameleons and frogs, crocodiles through boat surveys, lemurs, and bird species. The marine site uses a stereo-video survey technique to look at general reef health, although, like all Opwall marine sites, volunteers can also learn to dive there. Operation Wallacea is a research and environmental organization working alongside university and college academics to build long-term data sets to put toward various conservation management goals. We recruit volunteers to help out with the data collection, training them in the skills and background needed to help effectively. There's also the option to complete dissertations or senior theses at our sites.

Gain work experience and immerse yourself in a breathtaking environment during this internship abroad. You’ll be based on the beautiful island of Nosy Be, in northwest Madagascar. This tropical destination boasts long stretches of white-sand beaches and numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Our internships in wildlife conservation and English teaching contribute toward two UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 4 – Quality Education and Goal 15 – Life On Land. Placements last from 4 to 24 weeks and you can choose from the following internship types: Research - Ideal for participants seeking advanced experience in field research, or those in the process of completing a research paper or thesis Career - Ideal for participants looking to gain additional experience on meaningful initiatives while collaborating with our global partners Core - Ideal for participants who are less certain about their career path or aren’t ready to take on a research project on their own

The turtle conservation program in Nosy Komba involves seasonal monitoring of sea turtles nesting on the northern beaches of Madagascar. You’ll help identify and monitor key nesting sites, behavior, and population changes from November to March. During the off-nesting season, from April to October, you’ll assist in identifying areas of turtle activity and population size and re-establishing nesting beaches. You’ll conduct seagrass surveys, turtle watches, and beach cleans when tides allow. The research focuses on green and hawksbill sea turtles, with data also collected on olive ridley and loggerhead turtles if encountered. This information helps protect and manage turtle populations. We also engage the local community through education programs promoting turtle conservation. You will help create a new research database in a relatively unstudied area, searching for signs of turtle activity most days and nights. If turtles or eggs are found, you may handle them as part of data collection, ensuring minimal negative impact.