AIM. The aim of the TAF sponsored Madagascar Programme is to work with local partners in Madagascar for the protection of endangered species and their habitats. The main initial goal of this programme will be to focus on the conservation of P. simus. The Varibolomavo Project, named after the local name for this species, will act as a multidisciplinary flagship project during the initial stages of our set-up in Madagascar. Once our organisation is more firmly established, different projects based on other endangered primates and their habitats can then be considered. OBJECTIVES The goal of the project is to ensure the survival of the critically endangered P. simus through the application of the following objectives: 1. Playing a key role in co-ordinating urgent actions to address the critical situation facing P. simus in the wild and in captivity; TAF aims to facilitate a link between captive populations and conservation management organisations by continuing to facilitate dialogue between all concerned parties from our base in Antananarivo and by organising a workshop (planned for 2009) in Madagascar to develop a concerted management plan for the long-term survival of the species. 2. Organising a rapid but detailed study into the distribution and abundance of P. simus in the wild; Large areas within the distribution range for this species have not been assessed and more detailed studies are needed in order to discover potentially unknown groups or populations. A detailed population study would also record the presence or absence of other bamboo lemur species, and will be conducted in collaboration with ValBio, a research-based NGO based in Madagascar. 3. Ensuring that all the known sites in rainforest corridors where P. simus occur are effectively managed; Several of the areas where P. simus occur are already under successful management by national authorities or NGOs. TAF is seeking to identify those areas that support bamboo lemurs or bamboo lemur habitat and prioritise them as areas needing additional support. 4. Develop management tools for all fragmented populations in isolated habitat pockets situated outside of the main forest corridors for their long-term survival but also for their potential to play a role in captive breeding strategies, translocation and reintroduction; With so few groups of P. simus living in the wild, effectively managing each of these groups is a priority for the ongoing survival of the species. While many of these groups use bamboo stands located in the heart of the remaining rainforest belt, some groups can also be found in habitat patches; islands within in a matrix of deforested agricultural land. As a consequence, an urgent complementary strategy is needed to safeguard the existence of these habitat patches, and the intensive management of the small isolated populations within them. Two main sites have been identified to date, and it is hoped that the surveys will pinpoint additional sites with an important P. simus presence. TAF will negotiate with relevant authorities and NGOs to ensure that these populations are managed for their long-term survival. Once the sites are under legal protection, the potential to use these populations as a stock resource for captive breeding, translocation, restocking or reintroduction will be investigated, based on IUCN recommendations. As socio-ecological data on the species is currently limited, studies centred on intra- and inter group dynamics, as well as strategies to tackle dispersal and inbreeding depression should also be a population management priority for these isolated groups. 5. Ensure the survival or any group or individual of P. simus that is limited to a site where the habitat cannot be protected. This part of the project plan constitutes a ‘last chance’ effort for any group or individual discovered over the course of the surveys within habitats that are not under any protection. While conservation actions need to be undertaken in a strictly legal manner, should such animals be discovered, they should be captured for release into managed sites. At present, the best facilities for captive stock are the Parc Ivoloina and the Antananarivo Zoo. If we are able to secure habitat management for appropriate isolated areas located in proximity to their distribution area (as noted in objective 4) captive facilities for these animals could also be developed in these sites. Any animal found being held illegally would also be included into this category, though current research does not indicate that this is a major problem. BUDGET A fully comprehensive annual budget for this project is not yet available, however a preliminary budget estimate for 2009 project costs has been drafted. Estimated budget for Madagascar Project £ 2009 budget Travel and Food expenses (project co-ordinators) £9,800 Accommodation (project co-ordinators) £8,250 Staff salaries £6,200 Vehicle (+ fuel, maintenance) £7,800 Misc running costs £6,000 Bamboo lemur project workshop £7,500 Project surveys £12,000 Site and species management costs TBC New project surveys £15,000 (TBC TOTAL £72,550