Masoandro Georges Andrianirina
Student Researcher—Namoroka Site
Masoandro is an early career conservationist and wildlife researcher. He first gained field research experience assessing fish stocks at Mandrozo Lake in western Madagascar. Since then, he has gained considerable field experience collecting ecological data on several lemur, bird, reptile, and invertebrate taxa at various protected areas around Madagascar.
Masoandro received a BSc in Biology of Organisms and Ecosystems in 2019, and received his MSc in Zoology and Animal Biodiversity, specializing in herpetology, in 2023 from the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar.
Q&A with Masoandro
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
When I was in middle school, I attended the celebration of World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2008. I participated in a quiz and was offered identification cards of various frogs, turtles, and lemur species, as well as some reference booklets. Looking at the contents of the identification cards, I was amazed to see that each animal had its own scientific name. As I read one of the booklets, “Threatened Frogs of Madagascar,” I was shocked to see illustrations showing the threats to Madagascar’s biodiversity. This knowledge made me love nature even more and want to protect it. Once I arrived at the University of Antananarivo, I decided to focus my studies on conservation biology. While I have gained a lot of knowledge about what is needed for wildlife conservation, I also know there are still many things I have to learn. It is my hope to use all of the knowledge and skills I have acquired, as well as those I will develop in the future, to protect biodiversity.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
My coolest experience was seeing a crocodile while conducting field work on fish stocks! Fortunately, it was not very close to our fishing stations. Another amazing experience was working with Patrick Ross in Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, installing camera traps in the canopy. Patrick Ross and two professional climbers taught us how to climb trees, teaching us all of the safety steps necessary for climbing. That training made me realize just how difficult it is to climb a tree. Both of these experiences showed me that behind all of the data collected, there is considerable amount of effort and hard work. All of that data, however, greatly assists in the decision-making process to ensure effective conservation.
Who or what inspires you?
My parents have been a great inspiration to me. They like to raise animals, such as dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks, and they have a large garden. They also have their own nursery. I like to think that the way they took care of their animals and plants was passed on to me.
What is your favorite movie?
It’s a tough question because I have watched a lot of movies and television series. I like Forrest Gump, “Game of Thrones,” and “The Witcher.”
What is you favorite food?
My favorite food is a Malagasy dish called “Hen’omby ritra” (zebu meat) with tomato achar, accompanied by rice and ranon’ampango manitra (boiled water from burnt rice).
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
England. I’d like to see and explore their iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Stonehenge…. I want to see the impressive architecture at the University of Oxford. Additionally, I’d love to meet the royal guards. The other reason I’d like to visit England is my passion for football (soccer). I want to attend major matches, such as the Manchester derby or the London derby.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
As an animal lover, it’s a tough question. I have a particular admiration for the Madagascar fish eagle (Icthyophaga vociferoides). It’s a Critically Endangered species, and one of the rarest eagles in the world, found only along Madagascar’s west coast, where it feeds mainly on fish. Like other eagles, this species occupies a large area, so protecting it effectively requires preserving the entire ecosystem it inhabits.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
Wherever I am, I will always protect wildlife. But when it comes to Madagascar, my homeland, this is even more true. The main threats to biodiversity are manmade, but I am convinced that the integration of local people in the management and especially the protection of biodiversity will be the most effective way to conserve wildlife. It is hard work, but we know local households and communities can benefit from improved ecosystem services. I want Madagascar to be known for all the good, wonderful, and interesting things found here, and that requires protecting Madagascar’s wildlife.