Community Rescues Endangered Tortoises After Flooding in Madagascar

A community in Madagascar saved thousands of endangered tortoises from flooding caused by a tropical cyclone. Rescue efforts involved local residents and police, and while many tortoises survived, over 700 were found dead. The Lavavolo Tortoise Center lost significant infrastructure, raising concerns for the critically endangered species due to habitat loss and poaching.

In southern Madagascar, a dedicated community mobilized to rescue thousands of critically endangered tortoises following devastating floods caused by a tropical cyclone. Sanctuary staff, local residents, and police worked collaboratively, employing large containers to transport the disoriented tortoises. Some rescuers ingeniously repurposed damaged buildings into makeshift rafts to aid in their recovery efforts.

According to Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, the Madagascar director for the Turtle Survival Alliance, they are hopeful that over 10,000 tortoises have been saved, although an official count is still pending due to the rapid movements of the tortoises. Tragically, around 700 deceased tortoises have been recovered, caught in debris during the floods.

Razafimamonjiraibe remarked on the fortunate aspect of tortoise survival, stating, “Fortunately, most of the tortoises were able to float. Tortoises are actually very good swimmers.” Many tortoises have been returned to the Lavavolo Tortoise Center, which has suffered significant infrastructural damage due to the flooding.

The Turtle Survival Alliance highlighted the center’s prior renovations, which were spurred by the seizure of 10,000 radiated tortoises from wildlife traffickers in 2018, necessitating secure housing for the tortoises. The Lavavolo facility mainly houses radiated tortoises, an endemic species to Madagascar, which can live for over a century.

Historically, radiated tortoises have faced severe population declines due to habitat destruction and poaching, exacerbated by illegal trading for the exotic pet market. Once abundant in Madagascar, their numbers have plummeted, with an alarming 65% of their natural habitat now lost, as articulated by the Turtle Survival Alliance.

The community’s resilience and combined efforts have resulted in the rescue of thousands of tortoises in Madagascar, despite significant losses and challenges faced by the Lavavolo Tortoise Center. The ongoing threats to radiated tortoises due to habitat destruction and poaching emphasize the urgent need for conservation efforts. This incident highlights the critical relationship between local communities and wildlife preservation initiatives.

Original Source: www.dailybulletin.com