Tolona Andrianasolo
Permits and Logistics Coordinator
Tolona has over 20 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and has conducted various studies on dwarf lemurs in southeastern Madagascar. For the past 14 years, she has served as an administrator and facilitator of Madagascar research programs carried out by faculty and students from the Department of Animal Ecology at the University of Hamburg (since 2010) and the Department of Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University (since 2015). Among her responsibilities are 1) managing, facilitating, and monitoring administrative procedures related to research projects for national and international researchers; 2) organizing and participating in meetings and activities involving project partners and stakeholders; and 3) communicating and intervening in inter-institutional relations and collaborations with partners. She is also a visiting lecturer in the Department of Biological Anthropology and Sustainable Development, and the “Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur d’Antsirabe Vakinakaratra,” both at the University of Antananarivo.
Q&A with Tolona
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
Since my childhood, I have been raised with love and respect for nature. I have been gradually guided into the field of natural sciences. Without realizing it, a desire to learn everything about nature and share my knowledge grew within me. This desire has blossomed into a passion. This passion began to take shape when I pursued my university studies to obtain my Master’s in Primatology in 2004 at the Department of Paleontology and Biological Anthropology at the University of Antananarivo. It took on a different aspect when I became the administrator and facilitator of research programs for the University of Hamburg and Oxford Brookes University. The final aspect of this passion involves transmitting knowledge through teaching about the environment and biodiversity at the University of Antananarivo.
What book has influenced you or made a strong impression?
I am impressed and inspired by Whittaker and Fernández-Palacios “Island Biogeography: Ecology, Evolution and Conservation”. This book is indeed an essential reference for understanding species distributions from various perspectives and the challenges related to biodiversity. It plays a crucial role in environmental protection and conservation by shedding light on the causes, aspects, and solutions to biodiversity issues.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would like to visit the Amazon rainforest, to both appreciate and explore the richness of its wildlife and flora.
What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?
Administering, managing, and facilitating research programs at various universities allows me to stay in contact and build relationships with Malagasy researchers and those of all nationalities. Simultaneously, I enhance my knowledge of the various techniques and methods applied to biodiversity conservation. This work delights me greatly.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
I am fascinated by microfauna and insects. Despite their small size, these animals contribute many benefits to biodiversity.
Why do you care about Madagascar’s wildlife?
Madagascar is my homeland. I did not inherit it from my ancestors; I borrow it from my descendants. I do my utmost to preserve and contribute to the protection of Madagascar’s cultural heritage and biodiversity.