Community Rallies to Rescue Endangered Tortoises in Madagascar Flooding

In Madagascar, a community rescued over 10,000 endangered tortoises displaced by flooding caused by a tropical cyclone. The Turtle Survival Alliance reported about 700 dead tortoises and expressed optimism about most being returned to their sanctuary, despite significant damage to the facility. Radiated tortoises, facing critical endangerment due to habitat loss and poaching, underscore the balance between conservation and human impact.

In southern Madagascar, a community has united to rescue thousands of critically endangered tortoises swept away from their flooded sanctuary due to a recent tropical cyclone. Sanctuary staff, local residents, and police worked collaboratively, using large containers to retrieve the disoriented tortoises from the floodwaters. Rescuers fashioned makeshift rafts from damaged buildings to assist in locating additional tortoises as they navigated the flooded landscape.

Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, Madagascar director for the Turtle Survival Alliance, reported optimism regarding the rescue of over 10,000 tortoises, noting that an official count was still pending, as tortoises can be unexpectedly quick and uncooperative. Unfortunately, approximately 700 tortoises were found deceased, having been trapped under rocks and debris during the flooding.

Most rescued tortoises have been returned to the sanctuary, despite significant damage to the center’s infrastructure caused by the floods, as reported by the Turtle Survival Alliance. The Lavavolo Tortoise Center underwent reconstruction in 2018 following the confiscation of 10,000 tortoises from wildlife traffickers.

The majority of tortoises at Lavavolo are radiated tortoises, endemic to Madagascar and nearby islands. They typically reach about 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) in length and can live over a century, with one notable tortoise living to 188 years after being gifted to the Tongan royal family by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1777.

Radiated and spider tortoises face critical endangerment in Madagascar due to habitat loss and poaching. They are often consumed or illegally trafficked as exotic pets due to their visually striking shell patterns. The Turtle Survival Alliance reports a drastic decline in radiated tortoise populations, with these animals having vanished from 65% of their original habitats.

The rescue operation in Madagascar highlights the importance of community effort in protecting endangered species. The successful recovery of a significant number of tortoises underscores the resilience of these animals despite considerable threats from flooding, habitat destruction, and poaching. Continued conservation efforts remain crucial to ensure the survival of the critically endangered tortoises native to Madagascar.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com