Mijoro Rakotoarinivo

Experienced conservation biologist with expertise in species conservation strategies, biodiversity monitoring, and plant systematics. Skilled in conducting ecological surveys, supervising postgraduate research, and fostering international collaboration in biodiversity research. Adept at bridging science and policy through stakeholder engagement and effective science communication, including public speaking and editorial synthesis for diverse audiences. Demonstrated leadership as chair of scientific committees and specialist groups, with a commitment to advancing conservation efforts through innovative pedagogy and mentorship.

Driven student with passion for academics. Excels in discussion-driven environments with strong skills in research, communication and instruction. Works collaboratively to gather and disseminate data for diverse projects.

• 2015: The Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership – IUCN.
• 2009: Top ten new species award, for the discovery of Tahina spectabilis (Arecaceae), from International Institute for Species Exploration – Arizona State University.
• 2006: Ecological Niche Modeling, from ATree, Bangalore India.

• Since 2022. Co-Chair of IUCN National Group - Madagascar Specialist Group
• Since 2020. Chair of SSC IUCN Madagascar Plant Specialist Group
• Since 2007. International Palms Society

• Rakotoarinivo, M., 2024. Exploring for palms in remnants of humid forest in the hills of the Anosy chain, Taolagnaro, Southeast Madagascar. Palms, 68(1) : 14-25.
• Omollo, W.O., Rabarijaona, R.N., Ranaivoson, R.R., Rakotoarinivo, M., Barrett, R.L., Zhang, Q., Lai, Y.-J., Ye, J.-F., Le, C.T., Antonelli, A., Chen, Z.-D., Liu, B & Lu, L.-M. (2024). Spatial heterogeneity of neo-and paleo-endemism for plants in Madagascar. Current Biology, 34(6), 1271-1283.
• Turk, D. & Rakotoarinivo, M., 2023. Masoala rasabotsyi, a new species from the Ranomafana Arboretum, Madagascar. Palms, 67(4), 176–184.
• Rabarijaona, R.N., Ranaivoson, R.M., Yu, J.-R., You, Y.-C., Liu, B., Ye, J.-F., Barrett, R., Rakotoarinivo, M., Lin, X.-L., Wen, J., Chen, Z.-D. and Lu, L.-M., 2023. Species delimitation and biogeography of Cyphostemma (Vitaceae), emphasizing diversification and ecological adaptation in Madagascar. TAXON. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.12980
• Eiserhardt, W., Bellot, S., Cowan, R.S., Dransfield, J., Hansen, L.E.S., Heyduk, K., Rabarijaona, R.N., Rakotoarinivo, M. and Baker, W.J., 2022. Phylogenomics and generic limits of Dypsidinae (Arecaceae), the largest palm radiation in Madagascar. TAXON. https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.12797
• Rakotoarinivo, M., Dransfield, J. & Beentje, H., 2022. Arecaceae, Palms.In Goodman, S. (ed.) The New Natural History of Madagascar.
• Méndez, L., Viana, D.S., Alzate, A., Kissling, W.D., Eiserhardt, W.L., Rozzi, R., Rakotoarinivo, M. & Onstein, E., 2022. Megafrugivores as fading shadows of the past: extant frugivores and the abiotic environment as the most important determinants of the distribution of palms in Madagascar. Ecography, 2022: https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05885
• Helmstetter A.J., Stuart C., Rakotonasolo F., Rabarijaona R., Rakotoarinivo M., Eiserhardt W.L., Baker W.J. & Papadopulos A.S.T., 2021. The demographic history of Madagascan micro-endemics: have rare species always been rare? Proc. R. Soc. B.2882021095720210957 https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.0957
• Rakotoarinivo M., Andriambololonera S., Beentje H.J., Couvreur T.L.P., Rafidison V.M., Rahantirinaivina V., Ramamonjisoa L., Rapanarivo S.H.J.V., Turk R.D., Baker W.J. & Dransfield J., 2020. Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Palms of Madagascar. Sud Expert Plantes Développement Durable, 52p. http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.25975.85924

• 2022. GUARDEN , CIRAD France - Participation for establishing Pl@ntNet for Madagascar flora
• 2022. International Association of Plant taxonomy - Small grant for herbarium
• 2022. IUCN SSC EDGE species programme - Finding EDGE species for Madagascar Flora.

2015: The Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership – IUCN.

2009: Top ten new species award, for the discovery of Tahina spectabilis (Arecaceae), from International Institute for Species Exploration – Arizona State University.

2006: Ecological Niche Modeling, from ATree, Bangalore India.