The North East Coast of Madagascar was the destination for the 2009 Exo Terra research expedition. The area between Toamasina and Maroantsetra represented the focus for the expedition’s research. Several regions were explored on the mainland; Ivoloina, the Anove River, Antanambe (Biosphere Mananara Nord), the Masoala peninsula and Maroantsetra. The islands of Nosy Boraha (Sainte Marie) Nosy Antafana and Nosy Mangabe were also investigated.
The multi-national research team included several herpetologists who specialised in chameleons, phelsumas and frogs. Amongst the subjects studied by the team was the extremely divers Furcifer pardalis group. Colour variations between males as well as females were recorded in the visited regions. Measurements were also taken on adults and juveniles (weight, length, body temperature, UVB exposure, etc) to compare with specimens in captivity.
The range of Phelsuma serraticauda was also mapped and the diversity within several Phelsuma species such as Phelsuma pusilla and Phelsuma grandis was studied. Observations were made about the life and breeding conditions of the very endangered Dyscophus antongilii.
Environmental data (humidity, temperature, UVB radiation and exposure) was collected and stored.
Results and final conclusions will be published at a later date.
