Lords and Lemurs: Mad Scientists, Kings with Spears, and the Survival of Diversity in Madagascar.

LORDS AND LEMURS: Mad Scientists, Kings with Spears, and the Survival of Diversity In Madagascar ALISON JOLLY

For 40 years, Jolly has lived and worked in an unusual enclave--a place called Berenty. Owned and operated by a French family in Madagascar for more than 80 years, this sisal farm is also a significant nature preserve as home to ring-tailed lemurs and a bevy of other exotic animals. This is in large part because of Berenty's founders, the de Healumes, who entered the land as colonizers but epitomize noblesse oblige. They have exercised a sense of responsibility for the place and the people and animals that live there. In addition to maintaining the nature preserve, the de Healumes have helped the native Tandroy tribes preserve their traditions, such as exuberant funerals, while offering them benefits of the modern world, including health care and education. When the sisal farm became obsolete with the advent of artificial fibers, Berenty was transformed into a thriving ecotourism resort. Jolly celebrates the lives of the people and animals that she has known at Berenty for decades. With a lively style, she shares stories of her work with the lemurs, and provides an anthropological look at the Tandroy and a historical look at Madagascar. HM, 2004, 310 p., color and b&w plates, hardcover, $25.00.