Manitriniaina Arimanantena
Student Researcher—Anjanaharibe-Sud Site
Manitriniaina is early in his career as a biologist and conservationist. He has previously worked with the Malagasy NGO Vahatra to carry out species inventories of amphibians and reptiles, birds, and small mammals in Ambohitantely Special Reserve and Mantadia National Park. During that fieldwork, he also conducted various botanical plot techniques relating to those taxonomic groups.
Manitriniaina received a BS in Animal Biology of Conservation and is currently working on his Master’s degree in the Department of Zoology and Animal Biodiversity at the University of Antananarivo. He is working with Matt McGee, a PhD student from the University of California-Berkeley.
Q&A with Manitriniaina
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
I have always loved animals and want to protect those that are threatened.
Who or what inspires you?
Professor Achille Raselimanana
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
It has been my dream since childhood to travel to USA.
Wbat is your favorite movie?
I enjoy action movies, especially those that star Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, or Jackie Chan.
Wbat is your favorite food?
Fish
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
Having the opportunity to study and handle snakes during field school.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Madagascar fody (Foudia madagascariensis), it is a very cute bird with a lot of character, and is endemic to Madagascar.
Why do you care about Madagascar’s wildlife?
I care about Madagascar’s wildlife because most animal species here are endemic and threatened, and they critically need protection.