Severe Flooding Affects Tortoise Sanctuary in Madagascar, Claiming Hundreds of Lives

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi led to catastrophic flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar, resulting in the death of 450 tortoises. Staff have relocated survivors to elevated enclosures while community support continues. The event follows a prolonged drought, exacerbating the crisis for the critically endangered species. Immediate assistance aims to prevent further loss among the population, which has already declined drastically due to poaching and habitat destruction.

Severe flooding has wreaked havoc at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar, where hundreds of critically endangered tortoises have died. Following Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi’s passage on January 16, torrential rains inundated the center, raising water levels by approximately 1.4 meters over a 10-hectare area. Sadly, a total of 450 radiated and spider tortoises were reported dead, with many being trapped or washed away despite attempts to rescue them.

Country Director Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, representing the Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, described the rapid nature of the flooding: “It was less than 20 hours of rain, and the whole area was flooded.” This unprecedented event follows a year of drought during which temperatures exceeded 104° Fahrenheit, preventing the already dry soil from absorbing the heavy rain effectively.

Currently, staff and volunteers have relocated almost all surviving tortoises to elevated enclosures, as prolonged exposure to the floodwaters increases their risk of pneumonia. Although the floodwaters are gradually receding, the primary access road to the Lavavola center remains submerged, complicating transport of necessary supplies and support. Fifteen staff members suffered severe damages to their homes, although there were no injuries reported.

Assistance from the local community continues, with volunteers bringing in more than two metric tons of food for the tortoises. Once the most abundant tortoise species globally, radiated tortoises have seen their populations decline by 75% due to poaching and illegal trafficking.

Prior to Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi caused significant flash floods in northern Mozambique, resulting in eleven fatalities and adversely impacting approximately 249,000 individuals, according to reports from the U.N. International Organization for Migration.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar on January 16, leading to unprecedented flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center, which shelters over 12,000 endangered tortoises, including radiated and spider tortoises. The extreme rainfall followed a year of drought and extreme temperatures that left the soil incapable of absorbing the sudden influx of water, significantly affecting this wildlife sanctuary and its inhabitants. The Lavavola Tortoise Center, operated by Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, is crucial for the conservation of these tortoises, which are facing threats from habitat loss and illegal trade. Community efforts and continuous support are essential for their survival, especially in times of ecological disaster like this flooding event.

In conclusion, the severe flooding prompted by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused significant loss at the Lavavola Tortoise Center, highlighting the vulnerabilities of critically endangered tortoises in Madagascar. Despite substantial fatalities among the tortoise population, immediate actions taken by staff, volunteers, and the local community aim to mitigate further casualties and provide necessary support. The occurrence underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard these species amidst increasing climate-related challenges.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com