Director at HISA NGO, France
Margaux Babola is a dedicated animal behaviorist with a strong interdisciplinary background in ethology, neurobiology, and environmental science. She holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior and a Bachelor’s in Biology and Environment, complemented by training in permaculture and ecosystem restoration. With over seven years of hands-on experience, she has led impactful field research and conservation projects across France, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Brazil through her work with Human InitiativeS for Animals (HISA). Margaux specializes in human-wildlife coexistence, endangered species rehabilitation, and ecosystem reconstitution. She demonstrates strong competencies in research coordination, fieldwork, data analysis, and science communication in multiple languages. While her practical contributions to conservation and education are commendable, her candidacy for a Best Researcher Award would be strengthened by more peer-reviewed publications and formal academic affiliations. Nonetheless, she is exceptionally well-suited for recognition in applied or field-based research awards due to her impactful, interdisciplinary, and globally engaged work.
Professional Profile
Education🎓
Margaux Babola has a diverse and interdisciplinary educational background rooted in biology, animal behavior, and environmental sciences. She earned her Master’s degree in Animal Behavior with distinction from Université Paris 13 in 2016, where she developed a deep understanding of ethology and behavioral analysis. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environment with a specialization in ethology and neurobiology at Université de Bordeaux in 2014, also with distinction. In 2021, she further expanded her expertise by completing a Permaculture and Myawaki Native Forest Method certification, gaining insights into sustainable ecosystem design across tropical, arid, and temperate climates. This unique combination of formal academic training and ecological restoration knowledge equips her with a well-rounded foundation for addressing complex challenges in animal behavior and conservation. Her education reflects both scientific rigor and a strong commitment to integrating environmental sustainability into her research and fieldwork practices.
Professional Experience📝
Margaux Babola has extensive professional experience in animal behavior research, conservation, and project management across diverse international settings. Since 2018, she has served as Director at Human InitiativeS for Animals (HISA), where she leads projects on human-elephant coexistence in Tanzania, turtle rehabilitation in Madagascar, and ecosystem restoration in France. Her responsibilities include field surveys, stakeholder engagement, scientific reporting, and team supervision. Previously, she worked with the Mahouts Elephant Foundation in Thailand, conducting behavioral studies and spatial analysis on elephants in collaboration with local communities. She also volunteered with the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), aiding in wildlife rehabilitation. Her internships at the Laboratory for Animal Welfare in Brazil and the Laboratory for Experimental and Comparative Ethology in France involved study design, behavioral observation, and statistical analysis. Margaux’s experience combines scientific expertise with field-based problem-solving, making her a versatile and impactful professional in conservation and animal behavior research.
Research Interest🔎
Margaux Babola’s research interests lie at the intersection of animal behavior, wildlife conservation, and ecological sustainability. She is particularly passionate about understanding and promoting human-wildlife coexistence, with a focus on the behavioral dynamics of species such as elephants and turtles in natural and rehabilitated habitats. Her work explores how environmental changes, human activity, and habitat restoration influence animal behavior and welfare. Margaux is also deeply interested in ethology, neurobiology, and the practical application of behavioral science in conservation efforts. Her involvement in projects related to the Myawaki forest method and permaculture reflects a strong commitment to integrating ecological restoration with species preservation. She is driven by the goal of using research to support ethical and sustainable conservation strategies that benefit both wildlife and local communities. Through field research, stakeholder collaboration, and science communication, Margaux aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world conservation impact.
Award and Honor🏆
Margaux Babola has earned recognition throughout her academic and professional journey for her dedication to animal behavior and environmental conservation. During her academic career, she graduated with honors in both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, reflecting her strong academic performance and commitment to the field of ethology and neurobiology. Her research work was notably presented at the Brazilian Congress on Animal Production and Welfare in Ponta Grossa, Brazil—an acknowledgment of the scientific quality and relevance of her study on animal welfare. As Director of Human InitiativeS for Animals (HISA), her leadership and project outcomes have been commended in both local and international conservation circles, particularly for initiatives in Africa and France addressing species rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration. While formal awards or titles beyond academia have not been explicitly listed, Margaux’s career reflects a trajectory of continuous impact and growing influence, worthy of broader recognition in the fields of applied research and conservation leadership.
Research Skill🔬
Margaux Babola possesses a robust set of research skills rooted in her interdisciplinary training and extensive field experience. She is highly skilled in designing and conducting behavioral studies, performing direct observations of animal behavior, and applying statistical tools for data analysis using R. Her ability to develop research protocols, coordinate fieldwork, and collect ecological and behavioral data in diverse environments—from tropical forests to arid landscapes—demonstrates her adaptability and methodological rigor. Margaux is proficient in Geographic Information Systems (QGIS), enabling her to analyze spatial data and movement patterns, particularly in studies involving wildlife such as elephants. She is also experienced in synthesizing literature, preparing scientific reports, and contributing to manuscript development for publication. Her research is enriched by strong communication skills, both in disseminating findings to academic audiences and in engaging local stakeholders. This combination of analytical, technical, and communicative abilities makes her a well-rounded and impactful researcher in the fields of ethology and conservation.
Conclusion💡
Margaux Babola presents a strong and unique profile that bridges applied conservation, ethology, and environmental science. Her strengths lie in hands-on field research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and cross-cultural project leadership.
Publications Top Noted✍️
1. The influence of the silvopastoral system on physiological, behavior, and health responses of the Purunã breed of cattle
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Authors: M. Babola, L. da Silveira Pontes, Carla Molento, et al.
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Year: 2024
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Journal: Archives of Veterinary Science
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Publisher: revistas.ufpr.br
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Citation: Babola, M., da Silveira Pontes, L., Molento, C., et al. (2024). The influence of the silvopastoral system on physiological, behavior, and health responses of the Purunã breed of cattle. Archives of Veterinary Science.
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Cited by: 2
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Corresponding Authors: babola.margaux@gmail.com, carlamolento@ufpr.br
2. Sixty Degrees of Solutions: Field Techniques for Human–Jaguar Coexistence
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Authors: A.L. Devlin, R.J. Arias Herrera, M. Babola, et al.
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Year: 2025
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Journal: Animals
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Publisher: MDPI
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Citation: Devlin, A.L., Arias Herrera, R.J., Babola, M., et al. (2025). Sixty Degrees of Solutions: Field Techniques for Human–Jaguar Coexistence. Animals. MDPI.
