Sarah Rajaonarivelo
Student Researcher — La Mananara Site
Sarah Rajaonarivelo is an early-career primatologist and conservationist with experience in both field and laboratory research. She has developed strong expertise in primate behavior and ecology through her work at Tsinjoarivo, where she studied common brown lemurs and gray bamboo lemurs. She has also worked as a research assistant for a Master’s student from the University of the West of England (UWE), contributing to fieldwork that involved capturing Goodman’s mouse lemurs and collecting morphometric data. In addition to her field experience, Sarah has received laboratory training at the Mahaliana Lab in Antananarivo, where she developed skills in gastrointestinal parasite analyses, DNA extraction, and PCR techniques.
Sarah completed her Bachelor’s degree in 2022, and her Master’s degree in 2025, both in Anthropobiology and Sustainable Development at the University of Antananarivo.
Q&A with SARAH
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
I deeply love my country, Madagascar, which is rich in biodiversity. Contributing to the protection of endemic species is a great source of pride for me. Growing up in Toamasina, on the east coast of Madagascar near Parc Ivoloina, I always dreamed of protecting lemurs and the forests that shelter them.
Who or what inspires you?
Dr. Brigitte Raharivololona, my professor at the University of Antananarivo, inspired me through her teaching and guidance during our field trip to Diego in 2022.
Is there a book has influenced you or made a strong impression?
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, because it reminds us of our intimate connection with nature and our responsibility to protect it.
what is your favorite food?
I love seafood, especially crab and shrimp.
what is your favorite movie?
Harry Potter.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Brazil, to explore its incredible diversity of animal species.
What is one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had in your work?
Witnessing two Eulemur fulvus births within a single week, a magical and unforgettable moment.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Cats, because they are adorable, I just love them.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
I care about Madagascar’s wildlife because it is precious and vital to our survival. Human life and animal life are deeply interconnected, and protecting wildlife means protecting our future.