Q & A WITH REVOLUTIONARY STORYTELLER FABRICE DAVY BENIRINA

IMAGES BY FABRICE DAVY BENIRINA

WORDS BY JASMINE ACHARYA

Having grown up with a strong awareness of wildlife conservation efforts, Fabrice Davy, a Malagasy biologist is passionate about exploring how photography and rigour of scientific research can intertwine to illuminate the plight of the Madagascar freshwater big-headed turtle ( Erymnochelys madagascariensis ). This species is known for its large head, which it cannot retract fully into its shell, and is found in slow-moving rivers and lakes. Listed as critically endangered, it is considered the most endangered turtle in the world.

When did you first learn about the Madagascar big-headed turtle?

That was a really long time ago because my father worked in wildlife conservation. I was also born in Ankarafantsika National Park and my father brought me up inside the park. Since I was little, I would hear about what my father was doing at work and all of the conservation efforts in the park, so I have been aware of this species since I can remember.

Can you tell me about any challenges you faced during this project?

Making photos in the field was difficult for this project because getting the right timing is critical, but due to changing weather patterns, the timing of hatching is not as predictable. We had a short window from November to January to photograph the hatching process, so I had to prepare equipment quickly and constantly be looking for new nests. At the beginning, I hoped to document eight nests, but in the end, I could only find three nests that had not yet hatched. We even found a nest that had been submerged and I tried very hard to save it. It was only once I looked through my camera that I could see that the eggs were in very bad condition and I chose to excavate the nest and check each egg with no luck. It was not the first time I had seen nests fall into the water due to erosion from unusual rainfall.

How do you combine your identities as a scientific researcher and photographer?

When I finished my Master’s degree, I had so many opportunities to go look at the field, but I had no way of visually documenting it. The camera became very important to my fieldwork because it is an opportunity for me to be able to do research and share it with others. Photography has made my research more understandable to people. I would say I am a researcher who is learning about photography.

What impact do you hope your project has?

I hope that my work will impact local people and give them the confidence that my research will contribute to the conservation and well-being of the Madagascar big-headed turtle. I want to continue to build trusting relationships with the community because I want to continue to work together with them in the field. Also, there is not yet any new research being published on this species and I want to create a body of work, including stories and research papers, that share the story of the Madagascar big-headed turtle.

What was the impact of the grant and community exhibition on the community?

The grant benefits all parties involved: myself, the local community, and other conservation projects within the park. The community exhibition played a crucial role in conservation efforts by simultaneously raising awareness about biodiversity and, in particular, the protection of the turtles and their habitats.

Ambarindahy hosted a community exhibition aimed at raising local awareness about the conservation of Madagascar endemic freshwater turtles (Madagascar big headed turtle). This initiative, which includes presentations by students from the University of Mahajanga, was designed to educate residents on the ecological significance of these turtles and the challenges posed by climate change. While direct impacts on turtle nesting and protection can only be assessed after the next nesting season, several preliminary signs indicate that the event has previously had notable positive effects on the community.

The local community’s response was extremely positive as residents expressed their gratitude for the efforts made and acknowledged the importance of protecting freshwater turtles and their habitats. This recognition is particularly significant as the event went through without incident, reflecting an unusually cooperative and enthusiastic atmosphere for local conservation projects.
The exhibition succeeded in capturing the interest of the residents by informing them about the ecological aspects of turtles and the threats posed by climate change. The photographic projects acted as emotional catalysts, making the issues more tangible. Community commitment to protect turtle nests was evident after assessing an increased participation and support for conservation efforts.

The student’s presentations were crucial in enlightening the local population about the effects of climate change. While a deep understanding of these issues is still developing, residents now have a better recognition of the connections between their local actions and how to protect their local richness which includes their native species under the threat of climate change.

The event fostered a collaborative atmosphere among locals, academics, and conservation organizations. This cohesion is a valuable asset for the future implementation of conservation projects, strengthening local support and establishing a solid foundation for future initiatives.

*Revolutionary Storyteller, Fabrice, presenting his project to the community.*

*The second phase of the community exhibition including a discussion, short video on bio-diversity, a gift-exchange, a talent show and community meal at the public primary school in Ambarindahy.*

What was the impact of this grant for you?

Obtaining the grant has provided me with an invaluable opportunity to manage and execute a project. This is my first experience in such a role, and I am hopeful for its success, as it has introduced innovative and crucial information for enhancing the protection of freshwater turtle species. Additionally, the grant has afforded me the chance to utilize a camera for wildlife photography, which will aid in documenting various species during my visits and research activities.

I am currently engaged in a one-year MIRI (Mauritian Island Restoration Internship) program, a collaborative initiative of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. This training course focuses on the conservation of endangered species and the restoration of their habitats, with an emphasis on leading efforts to protect endemic and threatened species. With the support of the Revolutionary Storyteller Grant and the MIRI training, I am confident that I will make significant progress in this field, whether advancing my doctoral studies or furthering my professional career.

What’s next for this project? How does it influence where you’re going from here?

The high-quality photos I have taken will be available free of charge to those who wish to use them, with permission granted upon request. Although I have not yet distributed these photos, I have shared them with a friend and received positive feedback. Their encouragement is deeply gratifying and serves as a reminder of the invaluable support from the PWB grant, for which I am sincerely grateful to the team. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue refining my photography skills and to establish myself as a leading expert in the fields of conservation and photography.

Fabrice is the recipient of one of our Revolutionary Storyteller Grants. Special thanks to On the Edge for supporting the Madagascar edition of our grant.

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