Mamy Nestor Andriantsitohaina
Reforestation Specialist—Anjanaharibe-Sud Site
Mamy has nearly 10 years of conservation biology and plant ecology research experience. He is originally from Antsirabe but has conducted fieldwork in several areas around Madagascar. In 2016, he assisted in the propagation and maintenance of plants at La Pepinière d’Antsirabe. In 2018, he conducted inventories of flora and fauna species in the Maromizaha Protected Area, followed by implementing and monitoring a wide range of plant species in the New Protected Area of Ibity.
He worked with WWF Madagascar in the New Protected Area of Amoron’I Onilahy and Tsimanampetsotsa National Park, leading ecological monitoring of animal and plant species. Working with Durrell, he carried out ecological monitoring of the flat-backed spider tortoise (Pyxis planicauda) in the Menabe Antimena Protected Area. More recently, he has been conducting environmental impact studies with Entreprise De Batiment Et Des Travaux Publiques (EBTP).
Mamy obtained an BSc in Environmental Management in 2019, and more recently an MSc II in Environmental Management from the Institute of Higher Education Antsirabe Vakinankaratra.
Q&A with Mamy
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
My early experiences working with Madagascar’s endemic and endangered fauna in various protected areas.
Who or what inspires you?
Madagascar’s incredible biodiversity.
Is there a book that has influenced you or made a strong impression?
The New Natural History of Madagascar edited by Steven Goodman.
What is your favorite movie?
I don’t have a specific favorite movie, but I enjoy films focused on the environment.
What is your favorite food?
Fried fish with rice.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
Getting to be involved in the ecological monitoring of the Critically Endangered flat-backed spider tortoise (Pyxis planicauda).
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Ecuador, specifically to the Galápagos Islands so I can see the tortoises.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Turtles, because their natural history fascinates me.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
I care about Madagascar’s wildlife because it harbors incredible biodiversity that only exists here, yet it is under persistent threat from environmental degradation and wildlife trafficking.