Madagascar has four species of tortoise and all of them are classified as Critically Endangered by the Red List of Threatened Species.
Durrell's first field project in Madagascar 25 years ago was to protect the Ploughshare tortoise. this magnificent and ancient animal is restricted to an area of 7,000 hectares, roughly two thirds the size of Jersey. But within that area, we estimate that there are fewer than 1000 tortoises still remaining.
In the past, the main threat was habitat loss from burning for cattle grazing and also wild pigs. Over time we were able to support creation of a National Park for the tortoise as well as establish local groups that now control fires and change local behaviors around burning. We also created a captive breeding programme that has put 65 tortoises back into the wild; which is no mean feat given how long it takes these animals to grow and mature.
But now they face a grave threat that is not driven locally. This tortoise has become one of the most desired reptiles in the world within the illegal pet trade. All trade in these animals is banned, but tortoises are being poached in high numbers to be sold primarily in South East Asia, where they will change hands for up to $10,000 each. Stopping this trade and halting the poaching in Madagascar is now one of our greatest conservation challenges and we are doing everything we can to ensure that this species has a future.
|
