Roma Randrianavelona: 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.