Charles R. Welch

Research Scientist, Duke University Lemur Center;
Technical Advisor, Madagascar Fauna Group

The husband and wife team of Charlie Welch and Andrea Katz lived and worked in Madagascar for over 14 years. Together, they managed the Madagascar Fauna Group's programs at Parc Ivoloina and Betampona. They also hold staff positions at the Duke University Primate Center where Katz is Staff Specialist for Madagascar Programs and Welch is a Research Scientist.

Although formally trained in zoology, the collective experience of Welch and Katz is much broader. They developed and implemented the MFG's programs at Parc Ivoloina and the Betampona Reserve including captive breeding, ecotourism, environmental education, and lemur reintroduction. They also managed personnel and budgets, wrote grants, prepared scientific papers, made presentations, and represented the MFG in negotiations with the Malagasy government. Much of the MFG's success is attributable to their persistence, dedication and expertise.