Roma Randrianavelona

Conservation of golden frogs and orphan forests in eastern Madagascar

Golden Mantella frog ‘Mantella aurantiaca’ (Photo: Roma)

The Team January 2006

LocationCountryCategoriesDate
Moramanga District, Alaotra-Mangoro RegionMadagascarAfrica, Amphibians, Habitat, People, pet-trade8 Aug 2007

The Golden Mantella frog ‘Mantella aurantiaca’ is one of the world’s most threatened amphibians. It is restricted to small patches of rainforest in the Moramanga district of eastern Mandagascar and is threatened by habitat degradation and collection for the pet-trade. There are less than 12 populations of this species known and I found two sites in early 2006. Whilst a group of sites in the Torotorofotsy Marsh Ramsar site receives nominal protection, all other populations are unprotected. My project will develop a conservation and monitoring programme that includes all known ‘Mantella aurantiaca’ sites with a focus on those subject to high collection pressure outside of the Ramsar site.

I will first conduct survey assessments to determine the major threats and to estimate population size. Community engagement will take the form of meetings to raise the awareness of local people. In many parts of Madagascar local communities are unaware that the animals they are familiar with are actually endemic to a very small area and I hope to harness their pride to participate in the monitoring. Regular visits to the forest fragments by local participants will lead to a reduction in forest fires and illicit collection.

The initial surveys will set the baseline from which subsequent monitoring data can be compared. The data will also be useful for the CITIES Management and Scientific Authorities in Madagascar because of trade in ‘Mantella aurantiaca’ was suspended recently because of a lack of information from the field.

My vision is to have each and every site documented and mapped, with regular monitoring and close cooperation from surrounding villages with certain sites to receive 100% protection and one or two others that may be subject to sustainable, community-agreed collection levels that are endorsed by CITES.

For more information contact romagasy2@wanadoo.mg

Project Update: December 2007

Mantella aurantiaca found in October 2007 Mangabe-Moramanga

I’ve just completed the reconnaissance part of this project. Since the end of September me and my team realized consecutive field works during which we visited 12 localities that I’ve identified from documentation and interview. Up to now we have confirmed the existence of 11 populations by the collection of one Mantella aurantiaca specimen from each site. Other 10 existing and 3 extinct populations are also confirmed by local people. In fact we consider them as existing population when the habitat is still convenient and specimen of M. aurantiaca noticed in two last years. Our survey in January and February (optimum of frogs activity) will prove if they are really there.

During these field work, I’ve also started to identify the institutional and organizational structure in every site. This investigation inform about how forests and fragments are locally managed and also it prepare the forthcoming collaboration with local people and institution in terms of community awareness and involvement. A workshop organized by the Amphibian specialist group secretary was also attended to validate the national strategic plan for amphibian conservation.

Project Update: January 2008

Roma's team and people live near M aurantiaca site

“I have completed the first stage of my project which was to conduct a reconnaissance of forest sites believed to contain Mantella aurantiaca. Based on published accounts and interviews with animal collectors I visited 12 localities. I have confirmed 11 populations of M. aurantiaca and a further 10 were reported but no animals seen. At three sites it appeared that M. aurantiaca has become extinct. Whilst in the field I have collected information on forest management and the presence of any local community organizations so that I can prepare the habitat conservation plans. The reconnaissance has allowed me to prepare a detailed and realistic logistic plan for the next stage of my project which is to visit every population to conduct a rapid abundance assessment. I also participated in a workshop to evaluate the Amphibian Conservation Plan for Madagascar and was able to align my own project with national biodiversity priorities.”


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