Q&A with Wildlife Madagascar’s First Member from Canada: Dragomir Vujnovik
Tell us a bit about yourself. How would someone you know describe you?
This is hard question, depends whom you are asking, haha. In most situations description will be a heavy introvert who cares greatly about nature and well being of it and that way about wellbeing of humanity.
What do you love most about your career?
Probably the most satisfying thing about the work I do is that from very early age, I knew what I would like to do and I’ve been able to do it, even with some serious bumps along the way. Being a conservation and wildlife biologist can be challenging, but also very rewarding.
What was a particularly memorable experience during your career?
My experiences doing biophysical surveys in some the most remote and wild areas of Alberta, Canada that are little impacted by humans.
What draws you to support wildlife conservation and education?
Simply my love for the nature, and my hope that my small contribution will help with our attempt to save it and leave something for its future.
Who or what inspires you?
All great, dedicated conservation people, past and present. And, of course, miracles of nature.
What book have you read or film have you seen that made a big impression on you?
Probably one of best books to understand ecology and conservation, beside A Sand Country Almanac, is The Song of the Dodo by David Quammen. And starting from when I was young, the most influential TV series is the 40-years-running nature series “Survival!”
Why did you become a member of Wildlife Madagascar? What about this organization is meaningful to you?
In my mind, Madagascar is representative of the state of biodiversity packed on one island (although big one). Wildlife Madagascar’s approach and vision for conserving it in accord with local communities and their needs really aligns with my idea of how conservation should be approached. I really appreciate your attempt to overcome an old colonial tradition of conservation.