Tafita Ny Aina Ramanantsitonta
Reforestation Specialist—Namoroka Site
Tafita has approximately eight years of conservation research experience. He has worked with several associations, assisting in surveys of remote areas, planning and implementing fishing farming initiatives, and building awareness among rural communities to help decrease and prevent anthropogenic pressures on nearby protected areas.
Tafita studied Environmental Management, earning his BSc in 2019, and his MSc II in 2023, from the University of Vakinankaratra in Antsirabe.
Q&A with TAFITA
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
I am passionate about biodiversity research and ecosystem conservation. I also love traveling and being based in the field, working closely with local communities.
Who or what inspires you?
Malagasy teamwork, every day I feel inspired to work with such a dedicated team!
Is there a book has influenced you or made a strong impression?
I don’t have any specific favorite books, though I very much enjoy science books and field guides.
What is your favorite food?
As a starter, I love vegetables and crudités, and for a main dish, I prefer beef or mutton, cooked with coconut.
What is your favorite movie?
I usually watch action or adventure films during my free time. But the film that struck me the most is a documentary film entitled “Le Lemurien après l’Eden”. It’s a documentary about Madagascar’s lemur biodiversity and conservation.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
Working with interested and engaged rural communities on a few of the development programs I’ve assisted on. This made the projects operate very smoothly, and the process became enjoyable for all involved.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I had to choose, I’d pick a country on the Asian continent, either Japan or Cambodia. Japan is renowned for research and technological advances, while Cambodia has beautiful, interesting landscapes and very attractive agricultural produce.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
I admire birds and jaguars. Birds have a way of moving through the air, with an incredible aerial view. Jaguars because they’re wild and fearsome.
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
Personally, I care about Madagascar’s wildlife because for me, every life matters. Every organism/ life form (wild or not) has its role in the food chain and ecosystem equilibrium. In one way, a species might be threatening to some, but might be a benefit to others. Furthermore, the species endemism in Madagascar should be considered and conserved because it ensures ecosystem services.