Najoro Jean Chatain Andrianalijaona

Najoro Jean Chatain Andrianalijaona

Angavo-Mandrare Landscape – Assistant Manager

  • Hiker wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and backpack sits on rocky red ground with a vast desert plain and cloudy sky behind.
  • Young man wearing sunglasses and a dark jacket taking a selfie on a boat with the ocean in the background.
  • Man standing in tall grass with arms raised in a hilly, cloudy landscape.

Najoro is an early career conservation biologist who has gained experience from several field missions as a research assistant with local and international researchers. He conducted his Master’s research on the population structure of the flat-tailed tortoise in the dry forests of Kirindy in western Madagascar. In 2024, he was selected for a competitive internship with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Mauritius, focused on restoring vulnerable island ecosystems and rewilding threatened species. After returning to Madagascar, he worked in Kianjavato where he contributed to lemur conservation projects and field-based conservation activities. Najoro completed an MSc in Animal Conservation Biology from the University of Antananarivo in 2023.

Q&A with najoro

What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?

When I started university, I chose to study in the Faculty of Science because I had always been fascinated by biology. However, during my fieldwork, I witnessed the destruction of forests and the threats facing our unique wildlife. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in conservation so that I could contribute to protecting and preserving Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Who or what inspires you?

I have been inspired by Nik Cole, the Executive Director of the Mauritius programme for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. He is one of the most inspiring people I have worked with. He taught me a great deal about conservation work, biodiversity monitoring, and the management of endangered species.

What book has made an impression on you?

My favorite book is The Partners Principles for Community-based Conservation edited by Dr. Charudutt Mishra.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is biryani.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is The Boy who Harnessed the Wind.

What is one of the coolest experiences you’ve had in your work?

One of the coolest experiences I’ve had was working on Round Island for an extended period of time. I really enjoyed interacting with team members from different backgrounds, sharing knowledge, and learning from one another. It was fascinating to hear different perspectives on our work and to see how other people viewed its impact.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would choose Tanzania. I would love to visit the Serengeti National Park because I have always been fascinated by its vast savannas and incredible wildlife.

Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?

Besides lemurs, my favorite animals are tortoises. I am fascinated by their important role in the ecosystem. They act as ecosystem engineers, helping to maintain the balance of forest habitats. They also contribute to seed dispersal and support the regeneration of plant communities. The presence of tortoises is often an indicator of a healthy ecosystem, which is one of the reasons I admire them so much.

Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?

I care deeply about Madagascar’s wildlife because it is unique and found nowhere else in the world. I want to contribute to protecting and preserving this extraordinary biodiversity so that future generations can experience it firsthand.