Severe Flooding Devastates Tortoise Sanctuary in Madagascar

Flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center, triggered by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, has led to the death of 450 critically endangered tortoises. The unprecedented flooding, compounded by previous drought conditions, has strained the sanctuary’s resources. Relief efforts are ongoing, but the community’s support is crucial for the survival of the remaining tortoises.

Recent severe flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar has resulted in the loss of 450 tortoises from the critically endangered species, namely the radiated tortoise and the spider tortoise. Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi caused torrential rains that flooded the sanctuary, with water levels rising up to 1.4 meters across a 10-hectare area. Despite efforts to rescue most of the tortoises, many became trapped or were swept away.

Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, the country director for Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, reported unprecedented flooding, stating, “It was less than 20 hours of rain, and the whole area was flooded.” The region had previously dealt with drought, which made the soil less capable of absorbing the heavy rainfall. Consequently, the well-being of surviving tortoises is now a concern due to their exposure to cold floodwaters, heightening their risk of pneumonia.

Relief efforts have been initiated post-flooding, with staff and volunteers relocating surviving tortoises to elevated enclosures. Although floodwaters are slowly receding, the road to the sanctuary remains impassable, hindering access for supplies and personnel. Additionally, the homes of 15 employees were damaged by the flood; fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This disaster follows the cyclone’s earlier impact in Mozambique, where it caused significant loss of life and displacement. The radiated tortoise population once exceeded 12 million, but due to poaching and illegal trade, it has decreased to about a quarter of that number. Continued community support is vital for post-flood recovery efforts, as volunteers provide much-needed food supplies to the tortoises at the center.

The Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar plays a crucial role in protecting hundreds of tortoise species, particularly those that are critically endangered. The facility houses over 12,000 tortoises, including the radiated tortoise, which once thrived in numbers exceeding 12 million. Environmental factors such as recent drought conditions have adversely affected the land’s ability to absorb rainfall, demonstrating the vulnerability of both the tortoises and their habitat to severe weather events like Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi.

The severe flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar has resulted in significant loss of life among the tortoise population, highlighting the effects of climate change and human activity on endangered species. While immediate rescue efforts are underway, the challenges of access to supplies and the prolonged exposure to adverse conditions pose ongoing risks for the remaining tortoises. Collaboration and support from the community remain essential for recovery efforts.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com