Severe Flooding Impacts Tortoise Sanctuary in Southern Madagascar

The Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar experienced devastating flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, leading to the deaths of 450 tortoises and significant damage to the sanctuary. The torrential rains followed a year of drought, complicating rescue efforts. Volunteers are assisting in the recovery, while the tortoise population faces ongoing threats from poaching.

Severe flooding has devastated the Lavavola Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of tortoises. On January 16, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi caused torrential rain, leading to water levels rising up to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). Despite many tortoises being evacuated, 450 radiated and spider tortoises perished due to being trapped or swept away by the floodwaters.

Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, the country director of Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, described the flooding as unprecedented, stating, “It was less than 20 hours of rain, and the whole area was flooded.” The region faced significant drought before the cyclone, making the soil less absorbent and intensifying the impact of the rains.

Surviving tortoises have been relocated to higher ground by staff and volunteers to mitigate potential pneumonia risk from prolonged exposure to cold floodwaters. Although floodwaters are gradually receding, access remains difficult due to inundated roads. Additionally, 15 staff members’ homes were severely affected but, fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Local volunteers are assisting in caring for the tortoises, supplying over 2 tons of food despite the challenging circumstances. The radiated tortoise, once abundant with over 12 million individuals, has seen its population drastically decline due to poaching and trafficking.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi also impacted northern Mozambique before reaching Madagascar, causing flash floods that resulted in 11 fatalities and affected approximately 249,000 individuals, according to the United Nations International Organization for Migration.

The plight of tortoises in Madagascar has been exacerbated by severe natural disasters and human factors. The Lavavola Tortoise Center is a critical sanctuary for over 12,000 tortoises, including the critically endangered radiated and spider tortoises. Unfortunately, changing climate patterns, such as drought followed by intense rainfall, challenge the stability of these habitats. Conservation measures are crucial due to the declining populations, primarily driven by illegal poaching and habitat loss.

The recent flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center highlights the vulnerabilities faced by critically endangered species amid extreme weather events. The swift response from conservationists and local volunteers is crucial in mitigating the effects of such disasters. As the population of radiated tortoises continues to dwindle due to human activities, efforts to conserve and protect these species are more vital than ever to ensure their survival.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com