When the New Generation Emerges in Conservation
By Dr. Antsonantenainariivony (Goum) Ononamandimby, La Mananara Reforestation Strategist
Since joining the Wildlife Madagascar team in October 2024 as the Reforestation Strategist, my first field mission to La Mananara deeply impacted me. This immersive conservation experience allowed me to directly observe one of Madagascar’s rarest and most precious vegetation formations: mid-altitude humid forest. It’s an important ecological corridor connecting the central highland forests to the humid forests of the east. The Anjozorobe forest, including La Mananara where Wildlife Madagascar operates, represents a crucial ecological transition zone and constitutes one of the last vestiges of forests that once covered Madagascar’s central highlands.
Initially, I was disappointed to discover invasive species and traces of wildfire along the edge of the La Mananara forest; however, all of the stress of my daily tasks was soon forgotten as I let myself be carried away by the calm and beauty of nature. The next morning, during our first exploratory excursion into the depths of this natural forest with Dr. Jacques Rakotondranary (Wildlife Madagascar’s La Mananara Conservation Program Manager), Ms. Domohina Randrianarisoa (Reforestation Specialist), and Ms. Rojo Randrianarivelo (a reforestation student intern), I was completely captivated by the exceptional floristic richness that revealed itself. The complex structure of this lush vegetation offered an ideal habitat for diverse fauna, a testament to the remarkable resilience of this Malagasy ecosystem in the face of anthropogenic pressures. This striking contrast between degraded periphery and preserved core perfectly illustrates the conservation challenges facing Madagascar’s jewels of biodiversity.
(kneeling, front left); Gus Ranarivelo, owner of the La Mananara property (standing, back left); and students from the University of Vakinankaratra
I had the chance to bring a dozen students in their final year to La Mananara, all of whom were preparing for their bachelor’s degree at the University of Vakinankaratra, in Antsirabe, Madagascar. For them, this field immersion represented much more than a simple outing: it was a concrete opportunity to apply theoretical concepts learned in class, to directly observe fauna and flora in their natural environment, and to develop critical thinking in the face of ecological realities. A valuable experience that not only strengthens their scientific skills but also their commitment to biodiversity conservation. We extend our sincere thanks to the Wildlife Madagascar team for warmly welcoming our students, and especially for generously supporting their field mission financially — a gesture that demonstrates their commitment to training the next generation of scientists.
The students were divided into groups. This approach allowed for more personalized supervision and more effective immersion in the various research activities carried out on site. Each group benefited from a comprehensive and enriching experience, adapted to the specific themes addressed.
Two students had the opportunity to work closely with doctoral students from the Wildlife Madagascar team. Their main mission was to support research on the habituation of lemurs, an essential process to allow for easy observations of these primates in their natural habitat without disturbing their behavior. This work requires patience, rigor, and a great capacity for observation.
In parallel, two students installed phenological transects throughout the La Mananara forest, a method that allows the Wildlife Madagascar team to analyze the availability of plant species’ resources consumed by lemurs (for example, young leaves, flowers, and fruits) across seasons and years. This approach allowed the students to collect valuable data on plant reproductive cycles, including fruit production and seed dispersal. This information is essential for our understanding of how plant species adapt to climatic variations and the strategies they develop to survive in a constantly evolving environment.
Exploring for Orchids
When I was still a student, our professors often mentioned the abundance and importance of orchids in the Anjozorobe-Angavo forest, the larger protected area where La Mananara is located. Once there, however, I realized that the reality far exceeded anything I could have imagined: the specific richness of orchids observed in the field was simply impressive.
Faced with this incredible diversity, I proposed that we should expand our research on orchid ecology. The initiative was greeted with enthusiasm, and starting in February 2025, some students carried out an intensive exploration for orchids. Over a month, they were able to identify at least 30 species of orchids within an area of 10 km², revealing the still little-explored scientific potential of this exceptional forest.
Nursery: A Commitment to Ecological Restoration
While some students focused on studying orchids or lemur habituation, other students directed their research towards an equally crucial aspect: ecological restoration. They worked on seed germination and monitoring seedlings in the nursery, with the objective of better understanding the optimal growth conditions for local plant species. The species selected for germination mainly included pioneer species, recognized for their ability to rapidly colonize disturbed areas, but we also chose to integrate native slow-growth species to promote more sustainable restoration representative of the original ecosystem. This meticulous work constitutes an essential step in reforestation and rehabilitation efforts of degraded areas, ensuring that young plants can one day be sustainably reintroduced into their natural environment.
Curiosity, the Driving Force of Learning
What struck me during this stay was the particular enthusiasm and curiosity of the students. Each evening, they took time to exchange information, discuss their observations, ask questions, and confront their ideas. These spontaneous moments of sharing revealed not only their passion for nature but also their thirst for learning. I am convinced that if these young researchers continue to cultivate this curiosity and spirit of exchange, they will profoundly enrich their knowledge of ecology and, one day, become key actors in conservation themselves.
Exploring the Link Between Conservation and Society
Beyond purely ecological research, one of the students chose to focus their time exploring a dimension often less visible but equally essential: the socio-economic impact of living adjacent to a protected area. Through surveys, interviews with local communities, and analysis of economic dynamics, he sought to understand how biodiversity conservation can harmonize with the needs and realities of local human populations. This type of research is fundamental to ensuring that biodiversity research projects and environmental protection are not only ecologically viable but also socially equitable and accepted.
From Compost to Plate: The Ecological Loop
Meanwhile, back at the field station a few kilometers away, an ingenious system was taking shape. A student was experimenting with different composting techniques to both improve our forest nursery and develop an organic vegetable garden. This doubly virtuous initiative valorizes organic waste from the field station and invasive plant species, ultimately helping produce fresh and healthy vegetables for researchers on site. A perfect demonstration of sustainability that reduces our ecological footprint while improving the autonomy of our field teams.
Natural Regeneration: Understanding to Action
In the La Mananara forest, another student meticulously observed the natural processes of forest regeneration. His fundamental work aims to identify factors that favor or hinder the spontaneous renewal of vegetation.
Several other students worked on the methodical collection of floristic herbaria. This valuable documentation constitutes both a physical and digital database on the plant diversity of La Mananara. These reference specimens not only serve other researchers on the project but also contribute to enriching scientific knowledge about this unique and still insufficiently studied flora. This knowledge will be valuable for optimizing our restoration strategies, working with nature rather than against it.
Training the Next Generation for Madagascar’s Future
These student projects represent much more than simple academic work. They embody Wildlife Madagascar’s vision: combining scientific research and practical solutions for sustainable conservation. By supporting these young researchers, we are investing in the future of conservation in Madagascar and in a new generation committed to protecting our exceptional natural heritage.
