Winter 2025 Newsletter

TDARFAC Newsletter

Solving Critical Conservation Problems

Issue 5 | Winter 2025

2026 GRANT CYCLE • IPS 30TH CONGRESS • JHOANNY SHINES AT ASP • PANGOLIN PODCAST SPOTLIGHT • EQUIP ANDASIFAHADIMY’S FIRST FREE WOMEN & CHILDREN’S CLINIC • PLANET MADAGASCAR EXCHANGE • OUTREACH HIGHLIGHTS • VOLUNTEER TEAM • NEW MERCH • ADVANCE OUR MISSION

Inspiring Malagasy Leadership at 30th IPS Congress in Antananarivo

We closed out an incredible week at the 30th International Primatological Society Congress in Madagascar feeling inspired, energized, and proud of our team.

Our symposium talks, mentee poster sessions, and time spent with fellow conservationists including Mad Dog Initiative highlighted the strength and depth of the work happening across Madagascar.

Our team presented collective research on reforesting the Mantadia–Analamazaotra corridor with Mad Dog Initiative, addressing invasive species through a One Health lens, and combating the illegal lemur–pet trade—bringing science, community partnerships, and on-the-ground experience to the global stage.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with thoughtful questions, new collaborations, and strong encouragement from colleagues.

We remain deeply grateful to our Malagasy mentees, grant recipients, field partners, and collaborators, whose dedication continues to drive real conservation impact on the ground.

Together, their contributions are shaping healthier forests, stronger communities, and a more resilient future for Madagascar’s wildlife.

Jhoanny Rasojivola Wins ASP Emerging Conservationist Award

We’re thrilled to announce that Jhoanny Rasojivola, TDARFAC’s Field Director & Conservation Project Manager, has been awarded the American Society of Primatologists (ASP) Emerging Conservationist Award for his outstanding presentation, Landscape-Scale Reforestation in Madagascar: Connecting the Andasibe–Analamazaotra Corridor Amid Ecological Challenges.

His talk showcased the scientific and community-driven work behind the reforestation corridor, led by Principal Investigator: Dr. Kim Valenta, and supported by our partners at Mad Dog Initiative, Association Mitsinjo, Ecovision Village, and University of Florida collaborators.

This recognition celebrates both Jhoanny’s exceptional leadership and the growing visibility of Malagasy scientists driving conservation innovation on the ground.

Huge thanks to Pangolin: The Conservation Podcast for featuring us this World Lemur Day!

It was an honor to join host Jack Baker to talk about reconnecting two forests in Madagascar and the incredible partnerships behind this effort with Mad Dog Initiative, Ecovision Village, and Association Mitsinjo.

This episode also highlights our broader TDARFAC initiatives, including our grants program supporting scientists from primate range countries, and on-the-ground projects in Madagascar.

Listen here or on your favorite streaming platform.

A Community Clinic Is Almost Here! We Need Your Help to Open the Doors

Stock the Clinic

In rural Andasifahadimy, Madagascar, families often walk hours for even the most basic healthcare. Mothers give birth without medical support, and children and elders face preventable illnesses with nowhere to turn.

That’s why this community’s first free maternal, infant, and primary health clinic is so urgently needed — and it’s nearly complete. The rooms are taking shape, and every step of construction has been powered by local hands.

We are now raising funds to stock the clinic with the essential medical supplies needed to serve the community from Day 1. Your support will help ensure that when the doors open, lifesaving care will be accessible to all.

Clearing the land by hand to start the build

Joro blessing led by the tangalamena and elders before construction begins

Measuring and planning the foundation

Local builders bringing the clinic to life, step by step

Walls going up

Community-built clinic taking shape

Partners: Commune of Andasibe, Fokontany Andasifahadimy, Tangalamena & Elders, Local Construction Team (led by Mr. Dede), Mad Dog Initiative, Seacology, Community Volunteers & Local Families

Visit With Planet Madagascar

It was a pleasure to reconnect with Planet Madagascar as part of our ongoing knowledge exchange. Following Dr. Travis Steffens’ visit to the reforestation corridor project, our team traveled to Ankarafantsika National Park to learn from their community-based conservation initiatives.

We toured several of their impressive project sites, including expansive firebreak systems, native plant nurseries, active reforestation areas, and the Andranohobaka School. Seeing these projects firsthand strengthened our collaborative efforts and deepened our shared commitment to reforestation and to supporting the communities who depend on these forests.

It was especially fascinating to see how reforestation in dry deciduous forest differs from reforestation in humid evergreen rainforest—from seedling species selection and nursery practices to fire management and long-term landscape resilience. Experiences like these enrich our understanding of effective strategies for improving forests across Madagascar’s diverse habitats.

Outreach Highlights

Ankizin’ny Ala

The Ankizin’ny Ala club continued to deepen their connection to Madagascar’s forests through hands-on learning, guided exploration, and mentorship from our field team. Led by Association Mitsinjo’s Irene “Toutoune,” the club remains a vibrant example of youth-centered conservation in action.

During our visit, the students surprised us with a joyful performance—songs, dance, and a skit celebrating Madagascar’s forests and the importance of protecting wildlife. Their creativity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring.

Our graduate student volunteers also created a special video to highlight what club participants learned about the indri and diademed sifaka.

Watch United for Lemurs: Protecting the Future

Lemur Education Program in Tana

At an orphanage in Antananarivo, our team delivered a special presentation titled Tongasoa eto amin’ny Tontolon’ny Varika (Welcome to the World of Lemurs), introducing children to Madagascar’s unique species and the importance of protecting their habitats. The day included: art activities to spark imagination, team-building games that build trust, skits on how to behave in the forest and respect lemurs, snacks and dancing —reminding us that joy belongs in conservation.

We are thrilled to be planning a 2026 field trip to Andasibe. For most of these children, this upcoming trip will be their first time seeing lemurs in the wild. Educational outreach has the power to transform lives — by introducing kids from all backgrounds to the wonder of Madagascar’s forests, we nurture respect for wildlife, strengthen community, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

A heartfelt thank-you to our six graduate student volunteers whose leadership and enthusiasm made this outreach possible:

ANDRIANARIJAONA Fytahiana Valisoa
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD)
University of Antananarivo
NOMENJANAHARY Degraseline
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV)
University of Antananarivo
RAKOTOARIMANANA Rindratiana Natacha
Department of Anthropology and Sustainable Development (ADD)
University of Antananarivo
RAMISARIVO AY Ny Fahazavana
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV)
University of Antananarivo
RANDRIANANDRASANA François Noël
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV)
University of Antananarivo
RASOAMIADANA Fahasoavana
Department of Science and Veterinary Medicine Education (DESMV)
University of Antananarivo

Diary Nofy – 3rd Edition Launch

We were delighted to attend the launch of the third edition of Diary Nofy, and to partner with Teach for Madagascar, (TFM) by purchasing books to distribute across our outreach communities. The emphasis on nature and animals in this edition is especially meaningful to our work. The stories, activities, and audio versions offer an engaging way to inspire empathy, environmental awareness, and a love of learning among children.

Fresh Merch Just Dropped!

https://stores.inksoft.com/abigail_ross_foundation/shop/home

Our online store has been updated with new items, and we’re excited to share the latest additions!

Every purchase helps advance our on-the-ground initiatives.

Join Us in Advancing Our Mission

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