Reptiles and Amphibians

There are 233 amphibian species in Madagascar and all the native taxa are endemic to the island. A quarter of these species are considered threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Madagasikara Voakajy currently has herpetofauna projects in three regions: Alaotra Mangoro, Melaky and Menabe.

Chameleons

In partnership with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust we are studying the habitat associations of Furcifer labordi. This chameleon is restricted to the south-west of Madagascar and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The results will be used to test whether chameleons are suitable indicators of habitat change and a monitoring protocol will be designed.

Brookesia perarmata is endemic to the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. This species receives the highest level of protection under Malagasy law but remains threatened by habitat degradation and (possibly) collecting. We are studying the habitat associations of chameleons in the forest and are working with ANGAP to design a new chameleon monitoring protocol for the park.

With Assoication Mitsinjo, Cardiff University and the Dodwell Trust we are investigating how Calumma and Brookesia species in humid rainforest co-exist in the same areas and whether exotic trees have a role in faciltiating chameleon dispersal between patches of native vegetation.

Golden Mantella

This striking amphibian Mantella aurantiaca is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is known from only a few localities around Moramanga. Main threats to the species are conversion of forest into farmland and fire. Collection for the international pet trade is permitted but is not considered to be a major threat to wild populations.

Our project aims to survey the conservation status of M. aurantiaca in all known sites and to identify ways to protect its remaining habitats.

None of the known populations occur within the existing protected area network. Our preliminary surveys in October and November 2007 found at least three new populations to science and confirmed our fears that many of the sites are severely threatened by the conversion of forest into agriculture.

This work is currently funded by the Fauna and Flora International DEFRA Flagship Species Fund, Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund and a Rufford Small Grant.