Radiated tortoises in Madagascar

Context

In Madagascar, many tortoises species are endemic, and all of them are rare and threatened. In the South of the island, a particular species live in this arid environment: Astrochelys radiata, or Radiated tortoise, considered as critically endangered. The species, that can grow to about 15 kg, has a beautiful brown black carapace marked with delicate golden lines, and unfortunately it is particularly sought after by collectors. Although listed in Appendix I of CITES, it is picked up by traffickers and exported all over the world.

In partnership with the local organization Association de Sauvegarde de l’Environnement (A.S.E.), SOPTOM created in 2005 the Mangily Tortoise Village, covering about 37 hectares. Since, tortoises brought back by Malagasy authorities in Tulear area are placed in nurseries or enclosures, to receive treatment, to be fed and raised, before reintroduction in their natural environment, in protected areas with the consent of the Government.

In April 2018, 10.976 radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) were seized in a private home by Malagasy authorities, in Tulear. This discovery is significant. Probably the largest seizure in Madagascar. Unfortunately, once more, more than 7.000 tortoises were seized in the Fall of 2018.

Following these seizures, the Regional Directorate for Environment, Ecology and Forests (DREEF) mobilized its partners, such as SOPTOM to receive and care for the seized animals at the Mangily tortoise Village. The facilities, designed to accommodate about 5.000 tortoises, need to be renovated and developed as well as an enhanced security. To meet the needs of the Malagasy State to entrust the increasing quantities of seized tortoises, both associations ASE and SOPTOM, in charge of the Mangily Village of tortoises, call for help.

Objectives

To consolidate reception and care facilities in the “Mangily Tortoise Village”

Components of the project:

• Build new enclosures to increase intake capacity
• Elevate the fence all around the 37 ha reserve and reinforce the security patrols
• Strengthen health safety regulations and care protocols
• Restore existing infrastructures
• Develop a market gardening activity to involve Mangily villagers and to meet about 50% of the tortoises’ basic food requirements
• Raise awareness through an educational itinerary for Malagasy (thousands of children every year) and international visitors

Expected results

Beyond surveys and scientific monitoring, the Mangily Tortoise Village actively contributes to the development of the local economy through job creation and tourism in the Southern region, affected by poverty. This Village is operated by a team of Malagasy naturalists and also receives volunteers.

Strengthening intake and care capacities on the Mangily Tortoise Village meets the needs of the Malagasy State and it is a long-term project in favor of the Radiated tortoise conservation, critically endangered.