Fetra Maminirina Randrianarizaka
Student Researcher—Namoroka Site
Fetra has approximately five years of primate conservation and research experience. He has conducted research on the Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli) population in the Ampijoroa area of Ankarafantsika National Park, a dry deciduous forest habitat in northwest Madagascar. He has also conducted lemur surveys in the classified forest of Sahasalazana Andilamena, and recently attended a primatology field school organized by the NGO Sadabe in the New Protected Area of Tsinjoarivo-Ambalahomby.
Fetra has been in the Department of Biological Anthropology and Sustainable Development at the University of Antananarivo since 2016. Specializing in Primatology, he received his BS in 2019, and is currently preparing his Master’s thesis.
Q&A with Fetra Randrianarizaka
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
Since my childhood, I have loved nature and watching documentaries on fauna and flora, especially when they feature Madagascar. I have been fascinated by lemurs because they are not only cute but also unique to Madagascar. This love for wildlife has led me to pursue a career working to protect the lemurs and forest habitats of Madagascar.
Who or what inspires you?
Lemurs! As the emblem of my country, they inspire me every day and my desire to protect them.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
One of my coolest experiences was encountering nearly every snake species known to Ankarafantsika National Park. I felt very lucky.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Australia to see their endemic and fascinating animals, such as the kangaroo, koala, platypus, wombat, and many of the other small mammals.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite dish is rice with sausage and green leaves… and also sautéed zebu liver.
Is there a book or film that has influenced you or made a strong impression?
Lemurs of Madagascar is my favorite book. It has taught me a lot!
Why do you care about Madagascar’s wildlife?
I care because Madagascar’s wildlife is threatened, and as a Malagasy citizen, I must contribute to its preservation.