Caren Rasoarimanana
Student Researcher—Namoroka Site
Caren received an MSc in Zoology and Animal Biodiversity from the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar, and she has approximately five years of conservation and research experience. Most of her fieldwork has focused on the ecology of bats inhabiting Ankarana National Park in northern Madagascar, with a particular interest in the Malagasy fruit bat (Rousettus madagascariensis). She has gained a variety of experience working as a research assistant to several international student projects through University of California – Berkeley and Sapienza University of Rome. She also had experience in coordinating a large field research staff at the Ihofa Vohitsara Bioreserve.
Caren enjoys volunteering as a member of both Fanilon’I Madagascar, a Catholic association of girl scouts, and Ikala STEM, a nonprofit association aiming to promote STEM education among Malagasy women in Madagascar. She is a co-founder and advisor for Tany Ketsa, a women-led youth organization dedicated to the environmental education of primary school children.
Q&A with Caren
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
When I was a kid, I always loved to take care of our garden and water our flowers. Later on, through girl scouts, we were taught the importance of taking care of the environment, and this message reinforced my strong desire to help protect the environment.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
I have had many cool experiences! While visiting Andasibe, I spotted a leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus) during a night walk! Meeting my dad in Ambilobe when I was in the area for my Master’s fieldwork at nearby Ankarana National Park. I also really love working with international students, learning about their country, culture, and foods, and introducing them to life in Madagascar.
Who or what inspires you?
My dad, because we both love to travel and enjoy wildlife.
Is there a book that has influenced you or made a strong impression?
The Terrestrial Protected Areas of Madagascar: Their History, Description, and Biota edited by Steven M. Goodman, Marie Jeanne Raherilalao, & Sebastien Wohlauser. This multi-volume reference work provides incredible detail of every forest in Madagascar and the species found in each.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is the cartoon “Lassie,” which I watch with my nephew.
What is your favorite food?
Pakopako and brochette with corossol (soursop) juice. I also really love chocolate fondant.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I want to go to the United States to experience the cities and culture, but also to see how they protect their environment. I also want to go back to Switzerland for the beautiful landscape.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
My favorite animal is the tortoise, because they are very calm.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
Biodiversity plays an important role around the world, and Madagascar’s endemic biodiversity is increasingly threatened. I want to protect these incredible species for future generations to see.