BirdNote Daily Protecting the Madagascar Fish-Eagle
Dec 4, 2025
Lily-Arison Rene de Roland, Madagascar program director for the Peregrine Fund, is passionate about conserving the critically endangered Madagascar fish-eagle. He discusses the unique challenges these raptors face, relying on dwindling wetlands that are also vital for local fishing communities. Through community-centered conservation efforts, he highlights how sustainable practices can support both fishers and the fish-eagles. Lily's work exemplifies the importance of balancing human needs with wildlife protection for a healthier ecosystem.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Raptors Dependent On Shared Wetlands
- The Madagascar fish-eagle is critically endangered and depended on very low population numbers when conservation began in the 1990s.
- Protecting the species requires preserving wetlands and fish resources that both eagles and local fishers rely on.
From Wooden Canoes To Fiberglass Boats
- Lily-Arison Rene de Roland recounts fishermen using wooden canoes that relied on nesting trees for construction.
- The Peregrine Fund replaced them with durable fiberglass canoes to reduce tree cutting and help both people and eagles.
Small Changes Yield Big Conservation Gains
- Each fiberglass canoe saves roughly eight nesting trees by lasting far longer than wooden canoes.
- Small material substitutions in local livelihoods can yield outsized conservation benefits.