Judith Vololona

From

University of Antsiranana - MG

In residence at

Institute of Organic and Analytical Chemistry (ICOA) / CNRS, University of Orléans - FR

Host scientist

Christophe Hano

BIOGRAPHY

Dr Judith Vololona is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Antsiranana, Madagascar. She earned her PhD in Life and Environmental Sciences in 2020 from the University of Antananarivo, specializing in Plant Biology, Ecology, and Conservation. She currently serves as Head of Academic Affairs in the Faculty of Sciences and as Head of the Environmental Program at the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her research primarly focuses on biodiversity management and the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, with particular emphasis on plant–animal interactions and the preservation of endemic plant species. She is involved in several projects dedicated to the conservation of threatened plant species and has supervised numerous graduate students working on related topics. She is currently leading a major initiative aimed at safeguarding critically endangered endemic plant species in northern Madagascar.

PROJECT

Ex situ conservation of two critically endangered endemic species, Dombeya ambohitrensis Arènes (Malvaceae) and Beguea borealis G.E. Schatz & Lowry (Sapindaceae), from the Ambohitr'Antsingy Montagne de Français protected area, Madagascar.

Madagascar, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, hosts a remarkably rich flora, with 89% of vascular plants being endemic, a level of diversity comparable to that of all tropical countries. The Ambohitr'Antsingy Montagne des Français (AAMDF) Protected Area, located in the northern part of the island, represents a unique ecosystem, showcasing the distinctive biodiversity of this region. However, this biodiversity is increasingly threatened by various anthropogenic activities, exacerbated by the impact of climate change. Among the threatened plant species are Beguea borealis (Sapindaceae) and Dombeya ambohitrensis (Malvaceae), both critically endangered according to the IUCN, with extremely reduced populations and low natural regeneration rates. These species are vital for ecological balance, playing a crucial role in pollination and providing food and habitat for local wildlife. Considering the failures of traditional propagation attempts, this project explores the use of in vitro culture as an innovative conservation method. The goal is to develop and test protocols to improve the germination and multiplication of seeds from these threatened species, overcoming the limitations of classical techniques. Phytochemical characterization of the plantlets will be carried out to identify bioactive compounds and chemotaxonomic markers specific to each species, contributing to their valorization. Additionally, the project will assess the genetic stability of in vitro cultivated plants to ensure they retain the chemical and ecological characteristics of wild specimens. Practical recommendations will be formulated based on this research, aiming to optimize the management and conservation strategies for endangered endemic plants, with a particular focus on the application of in vitro culture and reintroduction techniques into their natural habitat.