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Thesis advisor: Daniel J. Daly / Thesis advisor: James F. Keenan / This thesis examines the concept of Fihavanana in Malagasy morality, characterized by the promotion of life in its fullness. Currently, global and local socio-political crises have resulted in significantly increased violence in Malagasy society. It reviews and examines the concept of Fihavanana through the lens of Christian friendship as expressed in scriptural and Christian tradition. The thesis endeavors to assess and guide the Malagasy response to the loss of social friendship and increase in deadly violence in the nation. It interprets Fihavanana through Christian friendship rooted in charity to arrive at a principle that can be embraced at the national level. Fihavanana thus interpreted is a norm of Christian ethics for life that can shape and guide Malagasy morality to build (re-build) a peaceful and harmonious society. / Thesis (STL) — Boston College, 2023. / Submitted to: Boston College. School of Theology and Ministry. / Discipline: Sacred Theology.

Lemur fulvus, the brown lemur, is a cat-sized arboreal prosimian, native to Madagascar and the island of Mayotte, in the Comoro Archipelago. A social prosimian, ~ fulvus typically forms cohesive troops of from 5-15 individuals. Troop composition is usually reported to be at, or near, a 1:1 sex ratio. The problems examined in this thesis were chosen in order to address aspects of L. fulvus social dynamics that are unclear, given the depiction of L. fulvus social behaviour presented in the primate literature. What are adult males doing, in the reported absence of agonistically-determined dominance hierarchies, to gain and maintain access to estrus females? Given the breeding season behavioural changes and fluctuations exhibited by adult males (a behavioural complex here termed, "fall-fever"), how do these changes and fluctuations contribute to male L. fulvus breeding opportunities, and potential reproductive success? These questions were investigated in the study of a semi-free-ranging ~ fulvus troop during the 1984 (Northern Hemisphere) breeding season. Utilizing an extensive ethogram it was found that, contrary to previous literature on the species, hierarchical social dominance relationships are indeed present in L. fulvus social groups. Additionally, it was found that these relationships play a crucial role in the reproductive behaviour of adult males. Statistically significant variation in the behaviour of the focal males is presented for seven inclusive behavioural categories. The picture of male L. fulvus reproductive behaviour that emerges from these considerations is then compared to the view derived from previous research on the species. Several amendments to our understanding of ~ fulvus social behaviour are suggested. An attempt is also made to place ~ fulvus in the socioecological categorizations of several authors. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

La forte présence française à Madagascar se poursuit après la période coloniale entre 1960 et 1972. Désormais, elle est voulue par la majorité des Malgaches, suite à l’adhésion du pays à la Communauté française. Dans ce cadre institutionnel nouveau, Madagascar, en tant que pays indépendant, souverain et républicain, conserve des relations étroites avec la France. Elles sont définies par les accords de coopération signés le 27 juin 1960. Il n’en résulte pas pour autant un néo-colonialisme, mais plutôt une indépendance assistée. La situation économique et financière s’améliore. En dépit de la dégradation des termes de l’échange, les échanges commerciaux ne cessent d’augmenter du fait de l’ouverture du commerce extérieur malgache en dehors de la zone franc. La France reste un très important client potentiel, malgré son glissement vers l’Europe. En effet, les entreprises françaises installées dans la Grande Ile contribuent au développement du pays : transfert de capitaux, de compétences et de technologie. Madagascar adopte le modèle social français. Malgré les disparités sociales, le niveau de vie de la population s’améliore. L’importance de l’aide française a constitué un obstacle pour que le régime Tsiranana optimise les opportunités que se présentaient les institutions onusiennes. De fait, Madagascar remplissait les conditions pour l’octroi de prêt important auprès du FMI, mais n’a pas su en profiter. / The strong French presence in Madagascar continues after the colonial period between 1960 and 1972. Now, this presence is sought by the majority of Malagasy, following the country’s adhesion to the French Community. In this new institutional framework, Madagascar, as an independent and sovereign Nation-state maintains close relations with France. They are defined by the “agreements of cooperation” signed in June 27th 1960. This does not imply a neo-colonialism, but rather an assisted independence. The economic and financial situation improves. Despite the country deteriorating terms of trade, Malagasy international trade continues to grow because of free of trade reaching beyond the area of the franc zone. France remains a very important potential customer, despite its leaning towards Europe. Indeed, French companies based in the Big Island contribute to national development: transfer of capital, skills and technology. Madagascar adopts the French social model. Despite social inequality, the standard of living of the population improves. The importance of French aid constituted a hindrance for the Tsiranana regime to seize the opportunities presented by the UN institutions. In fact, Madagascar fulfilled the conditions for granting large loan from the IMF, but failed to take advantage

This research aims to carry out a historical analysis of "the contribution of Rainisoalambo, the father of revivals, to the indigenization of the Protestant churches in Madagascar" and also to enrich the field of historical research for the Church in Madagascar. The revival movement is rooted in the Protestant Church history, so this research is intended to study the concept of indigenization through the preaching, sermons and teachings of Rainisoalambo. There are two main Protestant churches in Madagascar: the Reformed Church (FJKM) and the Lutheran (FLM). The revival found within these churches inspired me to think about the power behind the Church growth in my country. Rainisoalambo contextualized the Gospel. He used indigenization as a strategy and its principles as a source of vitality for the Malagasy Protestant churches. He did not teach a new doctrine either. He helped the people of God to express their faith in Malagasy culture. In the 20th century, the revival movement shifted from the perception of mass conversion and dramatic social changes to the revitalization of God's people. Therefore, the fundamental question is: "What is the major contribution of Rainisoalambo as the father of revivals, to the indigenization of the Protestant churches in Madagascar?" My hypothesis is that the revival of Rainisoalambo made a major contribution to the indigenization of churches in Madagascar. Since "indigenization" is mainly the key word to be understood for this research, this study adopts a theoretical framework, which is informed by concept of cultural translation and phenomenological approach. Since this research uses a historical perspective, it is important to practice the historical methodology: data collection for primary and secondary sources, potential oral interviews, criticism of data through assessing the genuineness of information sources and the presentation of information in accurate and readable form. The analytical approach is adopted in this theoretical framework. In spite of times, the majority of data collected will be enough to accomplish this work. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Depuis 1975, année d’entrée en vigueur d ’ une nouvelle législation relative à la formation de maîtres, trois ans se sont écoulés0 Les structures sont en place, les cadres comme les maîtres fonctionnent selon les directives tracées par le ministère. Une de ces directives est la formation permanente du maître. Où est-ce qu'on en est ? Le but de cette recherche est de répondre à cette question d’apparence facile. Dans un pays qui se donne un nouveau départ, et qui mise la transformation sociale sur l’éducation nationale, et en l’occurrence sur la formation des maîtres, il est loin d'être impertinent de procéder à une étude évaluative, sinon à une estimation de cette formation. Le but que nous poursuivons ne prétend pas couvrir tous les problèmes relatifs à la formation permanente des maîtres. Néanmoins il faut donner une idée de l’effort accompli et de l’efficacité des techniques et méthodes utilisées dans le processus de la formation permanente. La recherche nous renseignerait par exemple sur les résultats obtenus, compte tenu des valeurs escomptées concernant les attitudes, les comportements et surtout les opinions des maîtres. Pour ce faire, nous avons divisé le travail en quatre parties. Dans la première, nous allons présenter le problème, en essayant de le situer dans le contexte général du pays avec les problèmes afférant, La deuxième partie situe le problème dans un cadre théorique. La formation permanente n'étant pas un phénomène isolé théoriquement, est rattachée à tout un complexe de changements et à une organisation d'une série de stratégies pour pouvoir atteindre le but. La troisième partie se concentre sur l’approche de la recherche, Il y sera développé les points relatifs à la population de l’enquête et à l’échantillon. La méthodologie et les modèles d’analyse sont approchés également dans cette troisième phase du travail. Enfin, la quatrième partie exploite les résultats de la recherche et les interprétations de ces mêmes résultats. Ainsi nous pensons aboutir à une conclusion générale qui nous donnera une réponse à la première question que nous nous sommes posés au début de cette introduction. / Québec Université Laval, Bibliothèque 2014

Dans cette recherche nous avons voulu analyser le rapport entre le système préventif présenté par les missionnaires salésiens et son accueil chez les laïcs malgaches au Centre Notre Dame de Clairvaux. Le but était d'étudier ce processus d'inculturation aux fins de le comprendre et d'évaluer son degré d'appropriation par le milieu. Pour arriver à atteindre ces objectifs, nous avons procédé à une recherche-action, enrichie par une recherche documentaire. Au niveau de la compréhension du processus, nous avons identifié plusieurs éléments, notamment le langage, le temps et les dimensions culturelles transversales, en rapport avec les éléments fondamentaux du système préventif. Dans cette analyse, deux types de dialectiques ont été identifiées, la dialectique à l'intérieur des valeurs et celle des relations. Pour ce qui concerne l'évaluation du processus, nous avons dû déterminer avant tout des critères d'évaluation et ensuite les appliquer, ce qui nous a permis de définir les échecs et les réussites. Ces critères non seulement clarifient et qualifient l'inculturation, mais ils nous disent aussi ce qu'est l'inculturation « réussie ». À ce propos, nous pouvons affirmer que les laïcs malgaches sont arrivés à un haut degré d'appropriation du système salésien à Clairvaux, mais qu'il reste encore du chemin à faire pour que d'autres dimensions telles que le rôle de la femme, l'œcuménisme et la gestion économique soient touchés par ce processus. Le dernier chapitre de cette thèse aborde les questions plus théologiques, autour de quatre grands thèmes. Le premier thème touche les trois fondements théologiques de l'inculturation : l'incarnation, la présence de l'Esprit et le salut. Le deuxième, la dialectique comme paradigme interprétatif et son application à trois exemples liés à la communion. Le troisième propose la communion comme ligne d'interprétation théologique. Le quatrième thème présente trois éléments du processus d'inculturation : l'histoire, le temps et les semina verbi, en portant une attention particulière à leur rôle dans une dynamique de continuité et discontinuité. La conclusion générale systématisera les éléments du processus d'inculturation et présentera les questions encore ouvertes. Les limites de la dialectique seront aussi exposées ainsi qu'un nouveau paradigme pour comprendre le processus d'inculturation : la complexité.

The critically endangered blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons) is one the leaststudied day active lemurs because of the recent rediscovery and limited distribution. This thesis examined the habitat use, reproductive parameters and the population viability of the blue-eyed black lemur population at Ankarafa Forest, Sahamalaza-Iles Radama National Park, Madagascar. The main aim was to gather fundamental information on the natural history of the blue-eyed black lemur and to propose conservation approaches for both the species and its habitat. Data were collected over 14 month-period between 2006 and 2008. Six groups of the blue-eyed black lemur were studied, four of which were collared and two uncollared. Ankarafa Forest, the largest forest blocks of the Sahamalaza-Iles Radama National Park, is dominated mainly by Mangifera indica, Garcinia pauciflora, Sorindeia madagascariensis, Grangeria porosa, Bambou sp. and Mascarenhasia arborescens species. The forest is vulnerable to degradation by both anthropogenic activities and abiotic factors. The population density of the blue-eyed black lemur at Akarafa Forest was estimated to be 97.3 individuals km-², with group size ranging from 4 to 11 individuals. The home range use and day path length of the blue-eyed black lemur varied seasonally. The lemur occupied a larger home range in the dry season than in the wet season. The age of first reproduction in the blue-eyed black lemurs is about 3 years. They bear offspring seasonally (late August-October), all adult females in groups bred and females produce singletons offspring. Females were dominant over males. The sex-ratio at birth was male-biased but not significantly different from 1:1. Females were the primary caretakers of infants but group members other than the mother also provided alloparental care. For the first 3 weeks of life, infants were carried constantly on their mothers’ bellies. Infants developed independent locomotion and fed on solid food by 10 weeks. Increased probability of extinction, as shown by population viability models of the blue-eyed black lemur population, is affected by various of their reproductive parameters. However, these do not account for changes in their primary habitat forest. The latter is under increased human pressure and continues to decline in area. Education awareness and community involvement are required if the habitat and the blue-eyed black lemur are to survive. Findings of this study serve not only important data to understand the life history of the blue-eyed black lemur but also suggest conservation approaches for both the species and its natural habitat. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

Despite their ecological and economic importance, the majority of plant species and their conservation status are poorly known. Only 4% of plants have been assessed globally and listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; and without plant conservation assessments, many plant species will not feature in conservation planning. Herbarium collection information can significantly increase the number of plant conservation assessments. Thus, the aims of this thesis were: (1) to investigate how the quality of herbarium-based conservation assessments can be optimised; (2) to assess the extent to which herbarium-based conservation assessments reflect the reality on the ground; and (3) to scientifically validate genetic and spatial underpinning of IUCN criteria. Preliminary range-based assessments of the Leguminosae of Madagascar achieved a result consistent with the final conservation rating for over 95% of species when using up to fifteen herbarium specimens. Bioclimatic modelling of range shifts based on future climate change predicted that, in the worst case scenario, up to one third of endemic Leguminosae in Madagascar will be threatened with extinction over the next 100 years. An analysis of the population structure of species of Delonix s.l. (Leguminosae) showed that combining spatial analysis with population genetic data provides a more complete picture of landscape-level population dynamics and the impacts on conservation status. Moreover, range-wide genetic analysis of AFLP markers for four species of Delonix demonstrated a genetic basis for IUCN categories distinguishing between threatened and non-threatened species. Although genetic data are currently not often incorporated in conservation assessments, they are crucial in making accurate management decisions and creating effective action plans for conservation. Only by using all available scientific resources can informed conservation decisions be made and the survival of plants and their associated ecosystems be ensured.

This dissertation investigates the relationship between Madagascar’s environment and the stress physiology of the red-bellied lemur, Eulemur rubriventer. Unique lemurid traits are proposed to have evolved in response to selection pressures unlike those in other primate habitats, and appear to be particularly suited to helping animals cope with harsh and unpredictable environments. Several hypotheses as to why lemurs evolved characteristics such as small group sizes, low basal metabolic rates, and cathemerality rest upon the untested assumption that these species are ecologically and/or reproductively stressed. This study simultaneously analyzes seasonal changes in climate, ecology, and the behavior and stress hormones (cortisol) of Eulemur rubriventer, as well as differences in these parameters across habitats with different ecological matrices. The goals of this dissertation are to: (1) evaluate the influences of seasonally varying food availability and climate upon lemur behavior and physiology, to determine whether such changes are sufficient to exert strong selective pressure; and (2) assess the additional influences of habitat composition and quality to evaluate the effects of unpredictability and habitat disturbance. Eulemur rubriventer are sensitive to seasonal environmental changes, as indicated by their time budgets, diets, and fecal cortisol levels. Overall they adopt a time minimizing strategy whereby energy is conserved by resting a majority of the time. Ripe fruit scarcity periods elicit the launch of an energy maximizing strategy whereby fecal cortisol levels and time feeding increase, and time resting decreases. Sensitivity to these influences varies across habitats. The behavioral and stress responses of groups in the undisturbed habitat (UND) were more seasonal and pronounced than those from their disturbed habitat (DIST) counterparts. Lower cortisol levels in DIST may result from a less seasonally predictable environment requiring frequent short-term responses (with possible energy deficits during critical reproductive stages yielding 3 deaths out of 5 births and out-of-season reproduction). Alternatively, the attenuated behavioral and hormonal response to environmental change in DIST may indicate a severely stressed population with insufficient energy to launch an appropriate coping response. The hypothesis that animals in DIST have adapted to frequent unpredictability due to disturbance is rejected because all animals behaviorally and hormonally respond to fruit declines, indicating that this species undergoes ecological stress. / text