Raoni-Mandresy Rampanjato
Student Researcher – Namoroka
Mandresy Rampanjato has a few years of conservation and research experience. He recently participated in the 2024 field school organized by the University of West England in Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby Protected Area, learning various data collection methods, not only on lemurs but also on other taxa such as tenrecs, invertebrates, and botanical species like orchids.
He is also an early career photographer and storyteller. He recently worked with Photographers Without Borders and On The Edge to carry out a “Revolutionary Storyteller” project in Vohibola 3, a remote rainforest in southeast Madagascar. Through his lemur and rainforest photography, he created an attractive and moving story, which was then shared with the local communities over a multi-day exhibition event.
Q&A with Mandresy
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
Though I have been fascinated by nature since childhood, I am drawn to a career in wildlife conservation because the original forest and animals of Madagascar are extremely threatened. These fauna and flora are the wealth of our island, and if we do not act in time, there will be no going back.
What is one of the most memorable experiences in your work so far?
Meeting Betsileo people working at Namoroka Tsingy Camp. This was really unexpected. For such an isolated place, I never thought that I would meet people who come from the same district where I grew up. I was delighted to meet them here.
Who or what inspires you?
The famous British ethologist, Jane Goodall. I remember the first time I saw her on television, a National Geographic documentary about her life. Her long-term research and work with the chimpanzees in Gombe in Tanzania, and her TACARE project, which provides local communities with the tools needed to manage their natural resources for long-term economic gain and environmental sustainability, are both truly impressive and admirable.
Is there a book that has influenced you or made a strong impression?
Lemurs of Madagascar, third edition. I was given this book as a gift in 2015, and didn’t expect to see over 90 species of lemurs. Before then, I had thought there were only about 10 lemur species.
What is your favorite food?
Sakaizam-patsany and agnan-drano sy henakisoa.
What is your favorite movie?
Life in a Year starring Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I would go to New Zealand, because its landscapes are so impressive. Additionally, I would like to learn more about the Maori people and their culture.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Apart from lemurs, I also love giant pandas because they are so adorable. I would really like to give them a big hug.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
As a Malagasy citizen, I feel it is my duty to protect and defend the wealth of my native land and pass it on to future generations.