Community Saves Endangered Tortoises in Madagascar Flood Rescue

In Madagascar, a community rescued over 10,000 critically endangered tortoises from flooding caused by a tropical cyclone. Despite recovering around 700 dead tortoises, most survived and were returned to the sanctuary. The floods severely damaged the Lavavolo Tortoise Center, which houses mainly radiated tortoises, a species critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.

A community in southern Madagascar recently united in a rescue mission to save thousands of critically endangered tortoises that were displaced due to flooding caused by a tropical cyclone. Sanctuary staff, local residents, and police officers joined forces to recover these tortoises, using large containers and makeshift rafts formed from damaged buildings to ensure their safety as they maneuvered through the rising water.

According to Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, the Madagascar director for the Turtle Survival Alliance, the rescue team is optimistic about saving over 10,000 tortoises, though official counting remains challenging due to the swift movements of the animals. Sadly, approximately 700 dead tortoises have been found, trapped by debris during the flooding.

While most tortoises have been successfully returned to the sanctuary, the floods inflicted significant damage to the center’s infrastructure. The Lavavolo Tortoise Center had been renovated in 2018 to accommodate confiscated tortoises, marking a critical step in their conservation efforts. Most of the residents of Lavavolo are radiated tortoises, famous for their striking shells and longevity; they can live over a century and typically measure about 30 centimeters in length.

Radiated and spider tortoises are facing extinction in Madagascar due to habitat destruction and poaching. Razafimamonjiraibe mentioned that these tortoises are both consumed and illegally trafficked as pets due to their attractive markings. Historically, millions of radiated tortoises thrived in Madagascar; however, substantial declines have occurred, with a loss of about 65% of their natural habitat, according to the Turtle Survival Alliance.

The flooding in southern Madagascar led to a critical community effort that successfully saved thousands of endangered tortoises, highlighting the resilience of both the local community and these remarkable creatures. While recovery efforts have compensated for some losses, the infrastructure damage poses ongoing challenges for conservation. The plight of the radiated tortoise underlines the importance of habitat preservation and effective wildlife protection to ensure a future for this species.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com