Wildlife Conservation Madagascar Project #56044

Threatened biodiversity in Madagascar

by SEED Madagascar

Project Report | Aug 1, 2024
Conservation at its Core

By Sally Deitchman | Programmes and Office Assistant

The conservation team has been hard at work monitoring species, providing environmental education, and strategising for the future. In Sainte Luce, the long-term monitoring of lemur, reptile, and amphibian populations has continued. SEED’s in-depth monitoring provides valuable insights into the dynamics of these species and is crucial for understanding the trends and changes in population numbers. This data then provides a scientific basis for conservation strategies. Notably, an interesting shift in the roosting behaviour of the Madagascan Flying Fox was observed during the quarterly colony survey. The Madagascan Flying Fox, scientifically referred to as Pteropus rufus, is Madagascar’s largest bat and is essential to pollinating and dispersing plants. Their behaviour shift could indicate potential changes in their habitat preferences and availability or emerging environmental pressures.

To promote environmental awareness and education, SEED conducted environmental education sessions at two schools in Sainte Luce. These took place in May and focused on the ecological and cultural significance of six endangered species of palm trees in the region. This initiative is closely linked to the large-scale planting efforts carried out earlier in the year which are now being monitored. By educating the younger generation about the importance of these species, SEED aims to foster a sense of stewardship and conservation-mindedness within the community.

Additionally, key discussions regarding SEED’s long-term conservation strategy have been a recent focal point. Discussions like these are critical to ensuring SEED’s conservation efforts are the most impactful as they can be. One point of discussion was the need for stronger faunal population monitoring in Sector S6. With this need now acknowledged SEED can configure its action plan accordingly. Overall, strengthening SEED’s strategy is vital for the ongoing success of conservation initiatives and ensuring the protection of Sainte Luce’s unique biodiversity.

Other exciting updates are the digitisation of maps showing key hotspot areas for biodiversity and the start of planning for a new storage facility in the research camp. The maps are essential tools for guiding conservation efforts and identifying priority areas for protection and study. The new facility will support the logistical needs of ongoing and future research activities, ensuring that resources are well-managed and accessible.

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Apr 5, 2024
Saving and Understanding the P. Antanosy Geko

By Sally Deitchman | Programmes and Office Assistant

Painted with vibrant red streaks and a colourful blue head and tail, the already critically endangered Phelsuma antanosy gecko faces massive habitation destruction. P. antanosy is endemic to the Anosy regions of southeast Madagascar, with a majority concentrated in the coastal forests of Sainte Luce. While significant forest conservation efforts are in place, the forest area home to the highest concentration of these geckos faces demolition. This results from a newly proposed mining zone, which will clear their forest zone in 2027. The severity of this proposal, paired with the population’s restricted distribution and potential for ecological research, necessitates urgent conservation action.

With learnings from previous P. antanosy conservation efforts, including the development of a conservation action plan, research surveys, and genetic research, SEED has two aims for pilot Project Phelsuma: enhancing scientific understanding of P. antanosy and translocating the current at risk population. Due to its rarity, little is known about the species. As such, SEED hopes to better understand its functions and interactions by conducting updated ecological research surveys. This research will provide the foundation and further motivation for its conservation. To address the planned habitat loss, SEED intends to develop and carry out a five-year translocation strategy informed by international best practices and ecological research. This strategy will be bolstered by rigorous monitoring and evaluation and habitat enhancement to ensure species well-being.

In achieving these aims, SEED will have significantly assisted with P. antanosy’s species preservation while also gaining dynamic new species knowledge and providing a thorough case study for species translocation.

Exciting and impactful pilot projects like this would be impossible without your continued support. Thank you for following along and helping us save the geckos!

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Dec 8, 2023
Preserving Paradise: SEED's Palm Project

By Aaliyah Farah | Programmes and Office Intern

A man tending to the Palms

In the heart of southeast Madagascar's Anosy region lies the Sainte Luce Littoral Forest (SLLF), a critical ecosystem harboring a variety of endemic and threatened species, notably endangered the palm trees. The primary use of the palms is for lobster pot production, as lobster fishing is the primary source of income generation for many households in the region. Palms are also frequently used for house construction. Besides the increased human reliance on this natural resource, palms face challenges like habitat loss and fires. Despite their importance for biodiversity and local livelihoods, the palm species in Sainte Luce remain is relatively understudied and poorly understood.

Project Palms has set sites for safeguarding and studying these vital species and their counterparts. Since the initiation of this project in August 2021, several phenology surveys, pollinator surveys, and nursery germination monitoring, soil trials, and survival and growth analysis have been completed. Improving understanding of the current distribution, abundance, and natural history of each species is enabling SEED Madagascar (SEED) to focus conservation and restoration efforts in Sainte Luce. The census findings, alongside microhabitat assessments, are informing the planting of seedlings in-situ in protected fragments of the SLLF, while seed collection and pollinator surveys continue to inform seasonality data.

Community engagement remained a key component of Project Palms. Between August 2022 and July 2023, 178 community members bordering the SLLF have participated in 12 focus groups. These meetings offered insight into palm conservation strategies as recommended by local communities. Recommended strategies for mitigating threats included community involvement (specifically awareness-raising and participation in monitoring activities), and provision of alternative resources and livelihood support.

This growth in knowledge through research and community engagement will enable SEED to develop a context-specific, community-grounded, and evidence-based Conservation Action Plan by the end of the project.

SEED is grateful once more for your ongoing support. Your commitment plays a pivotal role in advancing this essential work in the Anosy region.

A Ravinala palm in the Sainte Luce Littoral Forest

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