Meet MJ Ingmanson, an independent researcher at Centre ValBio (CVB) in Ranomafana National Park. Centre ValBio is a research station adjacent to Ranomafana National Park in eastern Madagascar. It was established as a result of the rediscovery of the greater bamboo lemur by renowned primatologist Dr. Patricia Wright. MJ tells us about her work at CVB, her research interests, and what research and partnerships can do for lemur conservation.
How did you become a researcher at Centre ValBio?
I have always been interested in primatology, and I had a connection with Dr. Patricia Wright. I was advised to email her and ask if I could be part of a project at CVB. She gave me some project ideas, we put together a proposal, and I came here. I had also submitted several grant applications and received funding, which made it possible.
What species of lemur are you studying in Madagascar?
I studied the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi). Using long-term data, I compared different mothering strategies and how they affect infant survival and development. More recently, I’ve focused on infant development itself, still considering maternal behavior, but also looking more broadly at the social impacts on infants.
Do you enjoy being a researcher with Centre ValBio?
I find it very rewarding. There is a lot of collaboration with local communities, especially at Centre ValBio in Ranomafana, where I work.
Our guides are all local community members who have lived their whole lives in these forests. They work with us not only as guides but also as scientific assistants. Many of them have more than 30 years of experience tracking animals, and they play a crucial role in our research.
We also collaborate with NGOs that support research across Madagascar, and with universities in Antananarivo and other cities. Research assistants from these universities, often master’s students, work with us and contribute to projects.
Working in Madagascar is exciting because of its unique biodiversity. Even focusing on one area, the variety of flora and fauna is incredible.
Is learning the language important for being a long-term researcher here?
Yes. If you want to get the most out of your research and relationships with local guides and communities, it’s best to learn Malagasy. You can get by with French and sometimes English, but it’s difficult to fully interact and integrate without Malagasy. For long-term work, speaking the language helps you connect, communicate, and engage with the culture more deeply.
You mentioned that you have been working with sifakas. What is the easiest thing about working with them?
The easiest thing is that they are large, so they are easier to follow than smaller monkeys in big groups. I usually track two to nine individuals, and they generally stay together. There are also a few individuals that we can tell them apart, especially with the guides’ help.
What’s the most challenging thing about working with sifakas?
They live in areas that can be cold and wet. On those days, they often sit still for long periods. It’s cute when they eventually move, but waiting in those conditions can be difficult.
Do you think you’ll continue with sifakas after your current research, or will you switch species?
I plan to continue with rainforest sifakas, but I am open to expanding to other species like the Diademed sifaka, Perrier’s sifaka, or the Silky sifaka. I want to see the last two species in the wild before deciding. I’m mainly driven by broader theoretical questions about infant social development, and comparing across species would be very interesting.
What do you expect for the future of lemurs? How can research help them?
It depends on the world’s direction in the next few years, especially regarding politics, climate, and environmental cooperation.
Without action, populations may dwindle, even toward extinction. But I am hopeful. Research can provide valuable knowledge about how lemurs adapt to changing environments. Much of the current work focuses on conservation, but also on behavioral adaptations and responses to environmental change.
Is it hard for you to be far from home?
Not really. I’ve lived far from family and friends for many years, even in the U.S. Fieldwork can be isolating, but we are much more connected now through calls and messages. My family has a tradition of living far apart, even internationally, so I always expected this for myself. I rely on long-term friendships that endure despite distance.
What is the role of Malagasy people in conservation?
Malagasy people should be at the center of conservation efforts, both in practice and in academic research. In Ranomafana, I work closely with local guides and community members. At the research station, most of the staff are Malagasy. The head of the reforestation program is Malagasy, and the whole initiative is locally driven.
Local communities should define their priorities—whether food security, healthcare, or education—and conservation efforts should support those needs. Internationally, it’s also important that Malagasy researchers are recognized: they should be co-authors on papers and leaders of projects. Education and stronger partnerships, both nationally and internationally, will help amplify Malagasy voices in conservation.
What do you enjoy most about your work in Madagascar?
I love the collaboration. Working with local communities and international researchers brings together diverse perspectives and knowledge. That mix makes the research stronger and conservation more meaningful.
