03/29/2026
The students of Ecology 101 have been busy these past few weeks both in the classroom and outside of it! Students have continued to work through the curriculum, diving into topics ranging from human and primate evolution to the evolutionary reasons for island biodiversity and endemism, like that which we see in Madagascar. In addition to continuing their normal lessons, the students went on the program’s first annual field trip to Ranomafana National Park! Our Malagasy Program Director and owner of Varibolo Resto and Tours, (VIPs Fund’s first collaborative conservation project) Patrick, joined the students on their trip. He was even kind enough to host everyone at the restaurant right outside the park entrance for lunch!
On their field trip inside the park, students put into practice concepts of biodiversity and ecology while practicing their scientific narrative skills. Students observed various species of plants and animals throughout the park, learning about each with a knowledgeable local tour guide, even spotting a Brookesia superciliaris chameleon! Most importantly, everyone got hands-on experience learning how to collect scientific data and research by conducting a transect line experiment looking at species in the park.
Soon, students will conduct another transect line in the town near the nature center and compare diversity and abundance of organisms in the park and Ranomafana town, writing up their findings to be published on the VIPs Fund website. Make sure to keep an eye out for more Ecology 101 updates for an opportunity to read the students’ research!
