Zoobitat Expeditions — Real-World Wildlife Conservation Journeys
Welcome to Zoobitat Expeditions, where we showcase wildlife field research led by real-life conservation scientists working to protect our planet!
Each expedition is supported by Zoobitat.org and features real research, bringing you to the front lines of cutting edge wildlife conservation!
To search the island’s wild rainforest for new lemur species.
It’s real science, real discovery, and real wildlife conservation in action!
Join Field ZoobiRanger Michael Bliss and Jr. ZoobiRangers Jolly and Jordy as they embark on an adventure, filled with discoveries and exciting challenges!
Michael is a conservation biologist and PhD Student at Texas A&M University. He studies lemurs and other animals in the wild!
Michael travels to places like Madagascar to help discover new lemur species and protect them and their habitats.
When not on a research adventure, Michael enjoys SCUBA diving and learning about the diversity of the outdoors!
Madagascar is a big island off the southeast coast of Africa, floating in the warm Indian Ocean!
It’s so special that many of its animals — like lemurs — live there and nowhere else on Earth!
Lemurs are amazing animals that live only in Madagascar!
They are primates, like monkeys and humans, but they’ve grown in their own special way on this island.
Some lemurs are tiny, and some are great jumpers that leap from tree to tree using their long tails for balance.
Lemurs help keep forests healthy — and they need our help to stay safe in the wild!
Lemur Fun Facts!
Some lemurs use their tails to help them balance as they leap through the trees!
Ring-tailed lemurs “stink fight” by waving their scented tails at each other to communicate!
They also use their bold black-and-white tails like flags to help their group stay together as they move through the forest!
Ring-tailed lemurs love to sunbathe! They sit upright with their arms stretched out, like they’re having a beach day!
Every expedition begins with a plan!
We study maps and choose the best forest paths through Madagascar’s rainforest — where lemurs might be hiding.
We set up our basecamp deep in the forest, working with local guides and our research team.
This is where we rest, plan, and get ready for each day’s adventure!
Now the real work begins!
We walk quiet forest trails, listening, watching, and recording clues.
Every sound and movement helps us learn more about Madagascar’s wildlife.
Making your way through the jungle can be tricky.
Even ZoobiTrucks have to watch their step!
Once we find a good spot, the research begins!
ZoobiRanger Michael and the team set up field research station to help monitor the area for lemurs!
This weather station helps scientists measure things like rain and temperature in the forest.
Scientists use the information it gathers to understand key patterns, like how the environment changes across seasons.
The more we learn, the more we know how best to protect lemurs!
Oh, wow! Do you hear that?
Beside some fallen jackfruit, we spot some lemurs!
ZoobiRanger Michael and his team are very careful as they approach the lemurs.
Taking care to protect themselves and the animals, they assess the lemurs. They take note of their height, weight and coloring.
There are all sorts of lemurs here! We didn’t find just one species, we found a wide variety!
By learning about lemurs and their habitats, we discover what keeps them safe from harm!
Protecting lemurs takes teamwork!
Scientists, local communities, and helpers all work together to study the forest, gather data, and keep these habitats safe.
Lemurs are truly majestic creatures, with bright eyes, soft fur, and incredible agility as they leap through the treetops.
They may be small, but lemurs play a big role in keeping their forest homes healthy. By spreading seeds and helping plants grow, they support the entire ecosystem around them.
For these reasons, and so much more, lemur deserve our attention and care!
By learning about lemurs here, you’re already helping out. You can help more by taking care of the nature around you and sharing your knowledge with a friend.
Go to it, Junior ZoobiRangers!
Until our next expedition…
ZoobiRangers at the Ready!
