The Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar suffered severe flooding from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, leading to the death of 450 tortoises. Approximately 12,000 tortoises were at risk, with rescue efforts underway. Community volunteers provided food and support amid damaged infrastructure. The article highlights the struggle of tortoise populations due to poaching and environmental challenges.
Severe flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar, exacerbated by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, has resulted in the tragic death of hundreds of tortoises. On January 16, the cyclone brought torrential rains, raising water levels in the region as high as 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) across the sanctuary’s 10-hectare (25-acre) area. A total of 450 radiated and spider tortoises were found dead, while many others managed to float but some were trapped or washed away.
Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, the country director for Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, stated that the unprecedented flooding occurred within less than 20 hours of rain. He emphasized that such a severe flooding event has never been previously encountered in the area. Following a year marked by drought and extreme temperatures, the region’s dry, compacted soil became unable to absorb the heavy rainfall, intensifying the flooding’s impact.
Rescue operations have since relocated nearly all surviving tortoises to elevated shelters to protect them from further harm. However, exposure to prolonged wet conditions exposes the tortoises to the risk of pneumonia, as indicated by Mr. Razafimamonjiraibe. While floodwaters are receding slowly, the access road leading to the Lavavola center remains flooded, complicating logistics significantly.
Despite the challenges, community volunteers continue to assist rescue efforts, recently providing over two metric tons of food for the tortoises. The radiated tortoise population, which once exceeded 12 million, has diminished drastically due to poaching and illegal trade, with reports indicating that its population has decreased by three-quarters according to Jordan Gray of the Turtle Survival Alliance.
Prior to striking Madagascar, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted the Nampula region of northern Mozambique with flash floods resulting in 11 fatalities and affecting approximately 249,000 individuals, as reported by the U.N. International Organization for Migration.
This article addresses the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi on the Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar, where significant losses of critically endangered tortoise species were reported. The sanctuary is crucial for the protection and preservation of more than 12,000 tortoises, especially given the alarming decline in their populations due to threats such as poaching and illegal trafficking. The flooding was further exacerbated by conditions of prolonged drought in the region, leading to overwhelming rainfall that led to significant devastation.
In conclusion, the Lavavola Tortoise Center has faced profound challenges following the catastrophic flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, resulting in the death of hundreds of tortoises and the destruction of staff homes. Community efforts to save the surviving tortoises exemplify resilience amid tragedy. The article emphasizes the ongoing threats to tortoise populations and highlights the urgency of conservation efforts.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
