Madagascar: Land of Reptiles and Resilience

During five weeks in northwestern Madagascar in Mariarano, I worked as both a herpetologist and photographer, documenting one of the most biodiverse and complex ecosystems on Earth. My work focused on the dry forests surrounding Mariarano, where endemic species such as Furcifer angeli and Furcifer oustaleti reveal the island’s remarkable evolutionary history.

Days were spent studying and photographing reptiles, while nights offered encounters with chameleons illuminated by torchlight, each one a reminder of Madagascar’s unique natural heritage. Among the most memorable moments was observing the Critically Endangered Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli), a species I had admired since childhood. Seeing it in its natural habitat was both a dream fulfilled and a reflection on the fragility of life in these forests.

The experience also deepened my understanding of the links between conservation, culture, and history. Joining the Independence Day celebrations in Mariarano offered a powerful reminder that ecological preservation must also acknowledge social justice. The legacies of colonial exploitation continue to shape the country’s landscapes and communities, and true conservation must work to repair these wounds.

This project combines scientific research and visual storytelling to portray Madagascar as a land of resilience, where biodiversity and human strength coexist amid ongoing environmental and social challenges.