Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Devastates Tortoise Sanctuary in Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused severe flooding at the Lavavola Tortoise Center in Madagascar, resulting in the deaths of approximately 450 tortoises. The situation is dire as many survivors face health risks, and the center’s access is severely hampered. The incident highlights the growing threats to the critically endangered tortoises due to both natural disasters and human actions.

Severe floods due to Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi have devastated the Lavavola Tortoise Center in southwestern Madagascar, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of tortoises. The cyclone struck on January 16, causing torrential rain and flooding that reached a height of 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) across the sanctuary’s 10 hectares (25 acres). A total of 450 radiated tortoises and spider tortoises were found dead, while many others were rescued after floating in the floodwaters.

Hery Razafimamonjiraibe, the country director for Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, described the unprecedented nature of this flooding event, stating, “It was less than 20 hours of rain, and the whole area was flooded. We have never encountered this kind of flooding before.” The region has faced drought conditions over the past year, worsened by extreme temperatures that left the soil less permeable to heavy rainfall.

The surviving tortoises have been relocated to higher enclosures to protect them from further flooding, though staff are concerned about the increased risk of pneumonia due to the prolonged exposure to cold water. The floodwaters are receding, but the entrance road to the sanctuary remains flooded, complicating transportation efforts. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries among the staff, though homes of 15 employees were substantially damaged.

Community volunteers continue to assist by providing food for the surviving tortoises, successfully delivering over 2 metric tons of sustenance. The radiated tortoise, once abundant with a population exceeding 12 million, has experienced a drastic decline due to poaching and illegal trafficking, with its numbers reduced by three-quarters. Before impacting Madagascar, Cyclone Dikeledi had already caused significant damage in the Nampula region of northern Mozambique.

The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi underscores the pressing challenges facing tortoise conservation efforts as they navigate both natural disasters and human threats.

The Lavavola Tortoise Center plays a crucial role in the conservation of critically endangered tortoises in Madagascar, particularly the radiated tortoise and spider tortoise. The region has experienced irregular weather patterns, including drought and severe flooding, posing significant risks to the animals’ survival. Understanding the impact of climate events such as tropical cyclones on wildlife habitats is critical for developing effective conservation strategies.

The flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has had a devastating impact on the Lavavola Tortoise Center, resulting in significant loss of life among tortoises. The situation highlights the vulnerabilities faced by wildlife in Madagascar due to extreme weather patterns, exacerbated by human activities. Continued support from the community and conservation efforts is essential to safeguard the remaining tortoises and restore the sanctuary.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com