Dr. Justorien (“Donovan”) on the Frontlines of Lemur Conservation

Dr. Justorien Rambeloniaina, known to many of us as “Donovan” and serving as TDARFAC’s Head Veterinarian for Lemur Conservation, grew up in northeastern Madagascar witnessing lemurs being captured and killed. Today, he is fighting for them on every front.

In a compelling new episode of Wildlife Health Talks, Dr. Justorien shares how his work extends far beyond the animals themselves. This is One Health conservation at its most grounded, built on community trust, shaped by lived experience, and driven by the belief that Malagasy communities are best positioned to protect Madagascar’s natural heritage.

Through his work, Dr. Justorien is addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss. By helping establish healthcare and education centers in remote communities, his team is improving access to essential services while reducing pressures on surrounding forests. When communities are supported, forests are better protected, and lemurs have a real chance at survival.

The episode also highlights efforts to reconnect fragmented habitats through a five-kilometer wildlife corridor, restoring critical pathways for lemur movement and gene flow. At the same time, Dr. Justorien is working to combat the illegal pet trade, including navigating complex, human-centered situations—like a powerful encounter with a family keeping two mouse lemurs in a yellow water container—and finding solutions rooted in empathy, education, and long-term change.

This conversation reflects the heart of TDARFAC’s mission. Conservation is not only about protecting species, but about supporting people, strengthening communities, and restoring the systems that connect them.

We are proud to see Dr. Justorien’s leadership and work recognized on this platform. His story is a powerful reminder that lasting conservation is locally led, deeply human, and grounded in relationships.

Listen here!