Malagasy scientist Lily-Arison René de Roland has been announced as the winner of this year’s Indianapolis Prize, which recognizes “extraordinary contributions to conservation efforts.”
In its announcement, Indianapolis Zoo, which presents the award, highlighted René de Roland’s scientific and conservation work that has led to the discovery of several species and the establishment of four national protected areas in Madagascar.
“Dr. René de Roland’s community-based models and decades of research have not only alleviated human-wildlife conflicts — they have also helped to conserve Madagascar’s unique and wonderful animals and ecosystems,” Rob Shumaker, president and CEO of Indianapolis Zoo, said in a press release.
Shumaker described René de Roland, the 10th winner of the Indianapolis Prize, as “dedicated, resourceful and a fierce advocate for Madagascar wildlife.”
The Indianapolis Prize, dubbed the Nobel Prize for animal conservation, highlights the important work of leading conservationists who protect species and spearhead replicable conservation methods that benefit future generations. Its $250,000 prize is the largest individual monetary award given for animal conservation.
René de Roland is the national director of the Madagascar program at The Peregrine Fund, a U.S.-based nonprofit, a position he’s held since 2004. He joined the organization in 1992 as an undergraduate student to study Madagascar’s raptors. Over the decades, he has mentored more than 100 Malagasy students through their graduate degrees, and currently oversees a team of 48 Malagasy conservationists.
Chris N. Parish, president and CEO of The Peregrine Fund, said in the release that his organization “is tremendously proud of Lily, whose commitment to science, conservation and his community inspires us all.”
In 2006, René de Roland led his team in rediscovering the Madagascar pochard (Aythya innotata), a rare duck thought to have gone extinct in the 1990s, in a remote area in northern Madagascar. He also contributed to the discovery of two previously undescribed lemur species. More recently, in 2022, he led an expedition resulting in the rediscovery of a small songbird, the dusky tetraka (Crossleyia tenebrosa), which hadn’t been seen in the wild for 24 years. In recognition of René de Roland’s work in conservation, scientists named a newly described wolf spider (Katableps lilyarisoni) after him.
René de Roland also helped create four national protected areas in Madagascar that include habitats like rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, mangroves and savannas. They cover more than 1,500 square miles (3,885 square kilometers), Indianapolis Zoo said in its statement. “These efforts not only preserve endemic Madagascar species under threat but also improve the lives of local people, with whom René de Roland works to manage these areas and sustainably leverage their resources,” it added.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the Indianapolis Zoo,” René de Roland said in the release. “My work is inspired by my pride for my country’s biodiversity and my love for its wonderful people.”
Banner image of Lily-Arison René de Roland, courtesy of The Indianapolis Prize.
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