Conservation Conversation: Dr. Cortni Borgerson

Join us on May 14th at 7PM for our first ever member-exclusive lecture, a talk with Dr. Cortni Borgerson, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Montclair State University and IUCN Primate Specialist, to learn about her work in Madagascar where she works with local communities to protect lemurs. Members must RSVP to the free event for entry here.

About Dr. Borgerson:

Dr. Borgerson works directly in local Madagascar communities to not only preserve the environment but to learn from these communities and bring their traditional ecological knowledge into conservation. Through working with these communities, a unique conservation strategy was developed, one that starts in an unusual place: sakondry bugs, also known as the bug that tastes like bacon. These bugs can be found growing on beanstalks and are very high in nutrients. Beanstalks are also hardy plants that are able to grow almost anywhere and at any temperature. By planting beanstalks, local people are able to eat both the beans and the sakondry bugs. They do not have to rely on hunting endangered wildlife for food and are able to join Dr. Cortni Borgerson in protecting the environment. Her work bridges the gap between conservation and community by working with local communities in Madagascar and using their traditional knowledge in conservation strategies.

About Lemurs:

Lemurs, suborder Strepsirrhini, are primates that are found only on the island of Madagascar. There are many different species of lemurs, but are generally known for large eyes, fox-like faces,  and long tails that are longer than the rest of their body. Due to habitat loss, warming temperatures, and poaching, lemur populations are dwindling with their populations declining 60% every year. However, because of their remote habitat, scientists are unable to find how many are left in the wild. Species IUCN statuses range from vulnerable to critically endangered. Lemurs are a keystone species meaning their health and population size is a good indicator on how other species and their environment are doing.