Madagascar supports more endangered and vulnerable primates than any other country in the world. However baseline survey data on the dynamics of lemur populations is limited, often because of the remoteness of many sites.

The proposed research seeks to begin preliminary studies of lemur fauna within some of the last remaining littoral forest areas in all of Madagascar: such low lying coastal forest areas are found mainly in the south-east.

The study area is under threat from a mining proposal and it is hoped that the results of the study may help to establish guidelines for implementing a conservation management plan for the region's rare and diminishing habitats, and specifically in the presence of industrial development.

The project will employ Malagasy students, training them in survey techniques, wildlife law and conservation biology. Local guides and interpreters will also be involved in the project and they will facilitate the spread of information about the project into the local community.

The project's output will be made widely available to ensure that lessons learned can be replicated.