Aro Andriamanalina
Student Researcher – Anjanaharibe-Sud
Aro is early in her career as an anthropobiologist and conservationist. She is interested in the themes of climate change, and how conservation laws and policies can help achieve sustainable development. She has volunteered with the association Tany Ketsa, a women-led youth organization dedicated to the environmental education of primary school children, helping to design a nursery at EPP Ambohidroa. More recently, in April 2024, she had the opportunity to learn and conduct fieldwork with students from the University of the West of England-Bristol in the Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby Protected Area.
Aro received a Bachelor’s degree in 2022 and is currently a Master’s student in the Department of Biological Anthropology and Sustainable Development at the University of Antananarivo. She is working with Amie Wuchter, a Master’s student from Montclair State University, and is co-advised by Dr. Cortni Borgerson.
Q&A with Aro
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
Madagascar’s faunal biodiversity. Despite its uniqueness in the world, Madagascar’s fauna unfortunately faces various pressures and threats that continue to worsen. As a Malagasy citizen, I feel a responsibility to be among those who protect it for future generations, so like me, they can see these animals and fall in love with our country.
What is one of the most memorable experiences in your career so far?
During the 2024 field school, I had the opportunity to hold a chameleon and a mouse lemur in my hand!
Who or what inspires you?
The biodiversity of Madagascar and all of my teachers in the MADD Department at the University of Antananarivo.
Is there a book that has influenced you or made a strong impression?
When I was a child, I had a book called SOS La Terre, which spoke of an urgent call from the Earth to a young girl to tell her about the negative effects of human activity on nature.
What is your favorite food?
Rice with pumpkin and meat.
What is your favorite movie?
Willy Wonka.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I would like to visit Australia to see its biodiversity, particularly kangaroos and koalas.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
I like turtles because they are calm and don’t worry about the weather. I would like to learn that from them, to appreciate every moment of my life without complicating things.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
The faunal diversity of Madagascar is in decline while the Malagasy people do not show any responsibility. For this reason, I want to do my part to raise awareness about the importance of nature because, without a healthy ecosystem/environment, humans will struggle.