maholy Andrianaivo
Student Researcher, La Mananara Site
Maholy is an early career conservationist who has gained previous fieldwork experience with Association Vahatra in the highland forest of Ambohitantely. There, she spent time studying small mammals, reptiles, and birds, which has helped guide her research interests. She has also conducted fieldwork in Andasibe with the University of Iceland, studying the relationship between the giraffe-necked weevil and leaves of the shrub Dichaetanthera cordifolia.
She obtained her Bachelor’s in Animal Conservation Biology from the University of Antananarivo in 2022, and is currently working on Wildlife Madagascar’s BioComp project as part of her Master’s thesis.
Q&A with mAhOLY
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
Madagascar’s unique and exceptional biodiversity drew me to a career in wildlife conservation. Knowing that our beautiful biodiversity is being destroyed every day helped me steer myself towards conservation. This led me to the Department of Animal Conservation Biology, which introduced me to opportunities in the field of conservation.
Who or what has inspired you?
I am inspired by beauty and the desire to protect Madagascar’s biodiversity.
What book has influenced you or made a strong impression?
Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar by Frank Glaw and Miguel Vences is one of my favorite books. This field guide discusses in detail the diversity of herpetofauna found throughout Madagascar.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite dish is Henakisoa sy tripy.
What is your favorite movie?
I don’t have a favorite movie, but I love all romantic movies.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to mainland Africa to discover African biodiversity.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
Conducting research in Andasibe. It was an incredible adventure and an unforgettable experience.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Chameleons and birds are my favorite animals because they are fascinating creatures.
Why do you care about Madagascar’s wildlife?
I care about Madagascar’s wildlife because it is threatened every day, and I want to participate in its protection against various pressures.