Community Unites to Rescue Endangered Tortoises in Madagascar Floods

Following a tropical cyclone, the community in Madagascar has successfully rescued over 10,000 endangered tortoises from a flooded sanctuary, though around 700 have unfortunately died. Most of the rescued tortoises were returned, but the Lavavolo Tortoise Center suffered significant infrastructural damage due to the floods. Radiated tortoises, native to Madagascar, are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching.

In southern Madagascar, a local community has united to rescue thousands of critically endangered tortoises after a tropical cyclone caused massive flooding at their sanctuary. Rescuers, including sanctuary staff, community members, and police officers, waded through floodwaters with large containers to gather the distressed tortoises. In some instances, damaged buildings were repurposed into makeshift rafts to transport the tortoises while locating others in distress.

The community’s efforts to rescue tortoises highlight the ongoing conservation challenges faced by endangered species in Madagascar, particularly due to habitat loss and illegal trafficking. With one sanctuary already affected by flooding, the fight to preserve these unique tortoises continues, emphasizing the need for further interventions and protective measures.

Original Source: www.dailybulletin.com