Learn more about research at Beanka covering geology, cave systems, fauna and flora in volume 7 of Malagasy Nature compiled by Association Vahatra.

Member of the Lemur Conservation Network

We are committed to protecting the 17 species of lemur found at Beanka and Sahafina PA. We work  closely with Groupe d'etude et de recherce sur les primates (GERP) who conduct scientific studies of lemurs.

New species at Beanka PA
Aloe beankaensis and Mentocrex beankaensis are just two of 32 new species to science discovered at Beanka PA since field inventories began in 2009. Together with our collaborators (Association Famelona, Association Vahatra, Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la ville de Geneve, GERP, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, University of Geneva, University of Antananarivo), we have discovered the following new species: 7 vascular plants, 1 freshwater snail, 1 flatworm, 7 land snails, 2 spiders, 10 ants, 2 amphibians, 1 reptile and 1 bird. 

Cave art discovered at Beanka

Beanka PA features in the National Geographic following the discovery of cave art depicting humans hunting the now-extinct giant lemurs. The team at Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar hope to collaborate with Prof David Burney, Dr Julian Hume and colleagues from the University of Antananarivo to learn more about early human lives in Madagascar.
Picture
Charcoal drawings in a cave at Beanka. ©David Burney

Publications

  • Sven Buerki, S. Doherty, R., Gautier, L., Callmander, M. W. 2014. Rediscovery of the genus Tsingya Capuron (Sapindaceae) and its phylogenetic position. Candollea 69: 195-200.
  • Blaimer, B. B., Fisher, B. L. 2013. How much variation can one ant species hold? Species delimitation in the Crematogaster kelleri-Group in Madagascar. PLoS ONE, 8: e068082
  • Callmander, M. W., Bolliger, R., Hanitrarivo, R. M. Nusbaumer, L. 2013. Pandanus tsingycola Callm. & Nusb. (Pandanaceae), a new species endemic to Western Madagascar. Candollea 68: 229-235.
  • Gautier, L. Deroin, T. 2013. Uvaria lombardii L. Gaut. & Deroin (Annonaceae), une nouvelle espèce endémique de Madagascar, aux inflorescences spectaculaires. Candollea 68: 237-244.
  • Goodman, S. M, Gautier, L., Raherilalao, M. J. 2013. The Beanka Forest, Region Melaky, Western Madagascar. Malagasy Nature: 7.
  • Letsara, R., Rakotoarisoa, S. & Almeda, F. 2012. Three new Aloe species from Madagascar. Malagasy Nature, 6: 46-55.
  • Goodman, S. M, Raherilalao, M. J., Block, N. L. 2011. Patterns of morphological and genetic variation in the Mentocrex kioloides complex (Aves: Gruiformes: Rallidae) from Madagascar, with the description of a new species. Zootaxa 2776: 49–60

Aye Aye research



Between September and October 2014, British PhD student Megan Aylward, studying at the University of Calgary, Canada, visited Beanka in search of the solitary aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis).  Megan’s research, which focuses on resolving the phylogeography of the aye-aye, brought her to Beanka in search of the most western population of aye-aye. 

Research opportunities

Interested in conducting research at Beanka and Sahafina? Contact Rado
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