CASE STUDY 9
Malagasy Case Study
The Malagasy case study focuses on the role of humid forest degradation and restoration on zoonotic disease risk. Forest degradation and loss are widespread in Madagascar; however, the government, NGOs, and private citizens are also working to restore forested areas to support the unique endemic biodiversity of this country. We will sample small mammal communities, ectoparasite vectors, and their environment across native forest, degraded or cleared areas, and areas in the process of being restored. We will also explore the role of owls and other raptors in community dynamics and disease risk.
RESTORARION &
INTERVENTION MEASURES
Nature restoration
Reforestations
Rewilding
hawk
owl
Public health interventions
No
ENVIRONMENTAL
SAMPLES
Reservoirs
rat
Vectors
mosquito
tick
Environment
water
soil/sediment
Case Study Activities
The Malagasy case study focuses on the role of humid forest degradation and restoration on zoonotic disease risk. Forest degradation and loss are widespread in Madagascar; however, the government, NGOs, and private citizens are working to restore forested areas to support the unique endemic biodiversity of this country. 
The main goal of this CSA is to study the effects of both degradation (burned or cleared areas) and reforestation (planted areas) on zoonotic disease risk, via effects on animal biodiversity. To achieve this goal, we are studying the population dynamics of small mammal communities, as well as the pathogens they carry. We are also sampling ectoparasite vectors, and the environment (soil and water) across native forest, degraded or cleared areas, and areas in the process of being restored.
We will also explore the role of owls and other raptors via prey selection and pathogen prevalence in prey animals compared to the general population.
We have collected background information on bird and mammal biodiversity across habitat types using camera traps and acoustic recorders. The reservoir and environment samples for the Malagasy case study are collected by collaborators at Association Vahatra. Salohy Ravelotafita’s PhD thesis will center around the population dynamics of small mammals in response to restoration measures. We work closely with the local NGOs that manage the sites and the restoration programs. We rely on their expertise when interacting with local community members and consult them each time we renew our research permits. Our Association Vahatra collaborators are also working with researchers and conservation NGOs to design the owl and raptor platforms for this case study.