2005 | 2010 | 2011 | 2014 |
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Launching the 2011 expedition: shopping for supplies in Mahajanga markets |
First camp at Ampazony, the site that produced the new seacow species Eotheroides lambondrano in 2003. |
Zizy at work in the kitchen | Tsiory Andrianavalona prospecting in the long grass |
Niaina Ramihangihajason searching for small fossils on the slopes below the fossil-bearing sediments. |
Following collection at Ampazony, we crossed the Betsiboka river to Katsepy, for brief prospection and paperwork. |
Niaina prospecting on top of continental Pliocene sandstone cliffs. |
From Katsepy we chartered this boat (the Pagnol) to travel to Nosy Mahakamby, a journey of about 4 hours. |
Along the way we passed this local fishing boat in front of the Pliocene sandstone cliffs. Much of the local and regional trade around Mahajanga occurs in small, hand-made sailboats like this one. |
Nosy Mahakamby as seen when approaching from the east. |
Before beginning prospection and collection, we performed a Sakalava "fomba" ceremony to communicate with the spirits of the local ancestors: Dr. Armand Rasoamiaramanana, Roger (local guide), Charlin Botou, Niaina Ramihangihajason, Tsiory Andrianavalona, Mitch Irwin |
Prospecting at a nearly-vertical weathered cliff at Nosy Mahakamby. |
Great collaborators from the University of Antananarivo, Department of Paleontology and Biological Anthropology: Niaina Ramihangihajason, Tsiory Andrianavalona, Sitraka Razafisambatra Andrianarivo, and Dr. Armand Rasoamiaramanana (DPAB Professor and head of the Paleontology lab). |