Floods Strike Madagascar’s Tortoise Sanctuary, Endangering Species

Severe flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has devastated the Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar, resulting in the death of hundreds of tortoises. Approximately 450 radiated and spider tortoises perished as they faced unprecedented conditions. Efforts to assist surviving tortoises and recover from extensive damage are ongoing amid logistical challenges.

A severe flooding incident has resulted in the death of hundreds of tortoises at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar, home to over 12,000 critically endangered tortoises. On January 16, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi unleashed torrential rains, raising water levels by 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) in a 10-hectare area, directly impacting the sanctuary.

Of the 450 radiated tortoises and spider tortoises found deceased, many managed to float to safety, but several were trapped or swept away by debris. “It was less than 20 hours of rain, and the whole area was flooded,” stated Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, country director for Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar. He emphasized the unprecedented nature of this flooding event.

The region had recently endured drought, significantly increasing the soil’s inability to absorb heavy rain. Consequently, almost all surviving tortoises have been relocated to elevated enclosures, though prolonged exposure to the floodwaters raises pneumonia concerns, according to Razafimamonjiraibe.

While floodwaters are receding, access to the Lavavola center remains obstructed due to ongoing inundation of the main road, complicating logistics. Additionally, the homes of 15 employees were severely impacted by flooding, although no injuries were reported. Community volunteers have actively provided assistance, including delivering over two metric tons of food for the tortoises.

Once abundant, with over 12 million individuals, the population of radiated tortoises has plummeted by 75% due to poaching and illegal trafficking, as noted by Jordan Gray, external relations manager at Turtle Survival Alliance. Prior to Madagascar, Cyclone Dikeledi had already impacted northern Mozambique, causing fatalities and displacing numerous residents.

The Lavavola Tortoise Center plays a crucial role in the conservation of the critically endangered tortoise species native to Madagascar. Given the severe environmental challenges present in the region, including droughts and extreme temperature fluctuations, the recent flooding poses a significant threat to the already vulnerable tortoise population. This incident underscores the broader implications of climate change and human impact on biodiversity, particularly in at-risk ecosystems.

The flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center has had devastating effects on the tortoise population, exacerbated by previous drought conditions that compromised the soil’s capacity to absorb rainfall. The community’s response to assist the remaining tortoises reflects both the urgency of their conservation and the challenges faced by wildlife sanctuaries. Continued efforts are needed to protect these critically endangered species from both natural disasters and human-induced threats.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com