Celebrated Scientist Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland Wins Prestigious Animal Conservation Award
Celebrated Scientist Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland Wins Prestigious Animal Conservation Award
On May 13, 2025, officials from the Indianapolis Zoo announced that Dr. Lily-Arison René de Roland, an esteemed scientist and conservationist recognized for his significant contributions to biodiversity in Madagascar, has been awarded the 2025 Indianapolis Prize. This prestigious accolade, regarded as one of the highest honors in the field of animal conservation, honors individuals who have made outstanding achievements in promoting the sustainability of animal populations and habitats.
Dr. René de Roland's extensive career is marked by his commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Over the years, he has led numerous research initiatives and expeditions that resulted in the discovery of multiple new species. His work has also been instrumental in establishing four national protected areas in Madagascar, helping to safeguard diverse ecosystems across more than 1,500 square miles, including rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, mangroves, and savannas.
As the national director of The Peregrine Fund's Madagascar Program since 2004, Dr. René de Roland has supervised a dedicated team of 48 local conservationists. These efforts focus on not just the preservation of Madagascar's endemic wildlife but also the improvement of the livelihoods of local communities. His innovative community-centered conservation models have alleviated conflicts between humans and wildlife, allowing for a sustainable coexistence that benefits both the environment and the people.
One of his most notable achievements includes the rediscovery of the Madagascar Pochard, a rare duck species thought to be extinct since the 1990s. In a challenging expedition to a remote northern area of Madagascar in 2006, he and his team successfully located this elusive bird. Additionally, he has been pivotal in identifying two previously undescribed species of lemurs, further underscoring his impact on understanding Madagascar's unique biodiversity. In recognition of his contributions, a recently described wolf spider species has been named Katableps lilyarisoni in his honor.
In reflecting on this recognition, Dr. René de Roland expressed his gratitude, stating, "It is an honor for me to receive this prestigious award from the Indianapolis Zoo. My work is driven by my pride in my country's biodiversity and my deep affection for its extraordinary people."
Moreover, Dr. René de Roland has actively contributed to training the next generation of conservationists in Madagascar. He has mentored over 100 students from local universities, guiding them through 90 master's degrees and 16 doctoral degrees, all while fostering a new wave of committed environmental advocates.
Chris N. Parish, the president and CEO of The Peregrine Fund, praised Dr. René de Roland, saying, "We are tremendously proud of Lily, whose dedication to science, conservation, and community continues to inspire us all. We are beyond excited that the Indianapolis Prize recognizes his research, mentorship, and decades of service to the conservation profession."
Dr. René de Roland obtained his master’s, doctorate, and professorship from the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar. His journey with The Peregrine Fund began in 1992 as a student focused on studying endangered raptors in Madagascar.
The Indianapolis Prize, established by the Indianapolis Zoo in 2004, recognizes leading animal conservationists worldwide who achieve significant victories in the pursuit of sustainability for animal species. Each winner is awarded $250,000, the largest individual monetary prize in the field of animal conservation.
Dr. René de Roland will be honored at the Indianapolis Prize Gala, scheduled for September 27, 2025, in downtown Indianapolis, an event sponsored by Cummins Inc. He joins the 2025 Indianapolis Prize DeHaan finalists and the winner of the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award. For more multimedia resources related to the Indianapolis Prize 2025, please visit their website.
As a celebrated figure in the conservation landscape, Dr. René de Roland exemplifies the essence of commitment to protecting the diverse wildlife of Madagascar. His esteemed efforts inspire continued dedication to conservation issues worldwide, highlighting the importance of preserving our planet’s unique ecosystems for future generations.