AN intrepid team of Bournemouth naturalists are setting out on an expedition next month to catalogue the exotic fauna of the Madagascar rainforests.

The four-week project, one of the most ambitious ever launched by the Bournemouth Natural Science Society, aims to identify new species – particularly those threatened with extinction through deforestation.

The team consists of BNSS president and butterfly expert Mark Spencer, local naturalist Jonathan McGowan, ecologist Ashley Leftwich and Bournemouth University-trained wildlife photographer Lance Featherstone.

“We are going to Andasibe, about 200km east of the capital Antananarivo,” said Mr Spencer.

“That area is under pressure, local families want to grow crops, but the rainforest is very important to the country for tourism.

“We want to help preserve as much as we can and help to conserve these rare species. This expedition will also help to boost the prestige of the society, which will probably gain some specimens for its collection.”

The team, who set out on November 27, will be working with a local guide during daylight hours, and collecting at night with light traps and torches.

Some of the spectacular species they will encounter include lemurs, chameleons and butterflies.

Many of these species are unique to Madagascar, having evolved in isolation over the past 65 million years. Although most will be photographed and released, some of the insects will be brought back for identification before being returned to the island’s national collection.

Early next year, the team will be showing highlights of the expedition at the society’s museum in Christchurch Road, giving Bournemouth residents the chance to be among the first people to see these new species.

The team are seeking sponsorship from local businesses. Contact ashley.l@ashpartnership.co.uk