Figure 1 - uploaded by Franco Andreone
Content may be subject to copyright.
Four Prominent Representatives of Madagascar's Amphibians (A) Dyscophus antongilii (Near Threatened), (B) Scaphiophryne gottlebei (Critically Endangered), (C) Boophis williamsi (Critically Endangered), (D) Mantella cowani (Critically Endangered).
Source publication
http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pbio.0060118
Similar publications
Governments should not meet existing conservation targets using the compensation that developers pay for damaging biodiversity, say Martine Maron and colleagues.
Citations
... For example, the small country of Ecuador is home to 8% of amphibian species, half of which are endemic [55]. Island regions with high anuran endemicity include Melanesia, with 15% of species in 0.7% of the global terrestrial area [56], and Madagascar, with 5% of species in 0.4% of the global terrestrial area [57]. Many amphibian species also depend on mountain habitats with a high altitudinal range [58,59], and many of these species will become extinct in the wild due to unachievable needs for altitudinal migration due to global heating to a likely 2.5 • C or more [3,4,[60][61][62]. ...
Intergenerational justice entitles the maximum retention of Earth’s biodiversity. The 2022 United Nations COP 15, “Ecological Civilisation: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth”, is committed to protecting 30% of Earth’s terrestrial environments and, through COP 28, to mitigate the effects of the climate catastrophe on the biosphere. We focused this review on three core themes: the need and potential of reproduction biotechnologies, biobanks, and conservation breeding programs (RBCs) to satisfy sustainability goals; the technical state and current application of RBCs; and how to achieve the future potentials of RBCs in a rapidly evolving environmental and cultural landscape. RBCs include the hormonal stimulation of reproduction, the collection and storage of sperm and oocytes, and artificial fertilisation. Emerging technologies promise the perpetuation of species solely from biobanked biomaterials stored for perpetuity. Despite significant global declines and extinctions of amphibians, and predictions of a disastrous future for most biodiversity, practical support for amphibian RBCs remains limited mainly to a few limited projects in wealthy Western countries. We discuss the potential of amphibian RBCs to perpetuate amphibian diversity and prevent extinctions within multipolar geopolitical, cultural, and economic frameworks. We argue that a democratic, globally inclusive organisation is needed to focus RBCs on regions with the highest amphibian diversity. Prioritisation should include regional and international collaborations, community engagement, and support for RBC facilities ranging from zoos and other institutions to those of private carers. We tabulate a standard terminology for field programs associated with RBCs for publication and media consistency.
... For example, the small country of Ecuador is home to 8% of amphibian species, half of which are endemic [55]. Island regions with high anuran endemicity include Melanesia, with 15% of species in 0.7% of the global terrestrial area [56], and Madagascar, with 5% of species in 0.4% of the global terrestrial area [57]. Many amphibian species also depend on mountain habitats with a high altitudinal range [58,59], and many of these species will become extinct in the wild due to unachievable needs for altitudinal migration due to global heating to a likely 2.5 • C or more [3,4,[60][61][62]. ...
Intergenerational justice entitles the maximum retention of Earth’s biodiversity. The
2022 United Nations COP 15, “Ecological Civilisation: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth”, is committed to protecting 30% of Earth’s terrestrial environments and, through COP 28, to mitigate the effects of the climate catastrophe on the biosphere. We focused this review on three core themes: the need and potential of reproduction biotechnologies, biobanks, and conservation breeding programs (RBCs) to satisfy sustainability goals; the technical state and current application of RBCs; and how to achieve the future potentials of RBCs in a rapidly evolving environmental and cultural landscape. RBCs include the hormonal stimulation of reproduction, the collection and storage of sperm and oocytes, and artificial fertilisation. Emerging technologies promise the perpetuation of species solely from biobanked biomaterials stored for perpetuity. Despite significant global declines
and extinctions of amphibians, and predictions of a disastrous future for most biodiversity, practical support for amphibian RBCs remains limited mainly to a few limited projects in wealthy Western countries. We discuss the potential of amphibian RBCs to perpetuate amphibian diversity and prevent extinctions within multipolar geopolitical, cultural, and economic frameworks. We argue
that a democratic, globally inclusive organisation is needed to focus RBCs on regions with the highest amphibian diversity. Prioritisation should include regional and international collaborations, community engagement, and support for RBC facilities ranging from zoos and other institutions to those of private carers. We tabulate a standard terminology for field programs associated with RBCs
for publication and media consistency.
... It might seem paradoxical to appeal for intensive conservation where catastrophic declines have not yet been detected. Amphibian conservation efforts have the possibility of being pro-active, rather than reactive (Andreone et al., 2008). Efforts should focus on areas of high herpetological species richness, or areas of otherwise high conservation interest such as riverbeds and adjacent gallery forests (Jenkins et al., 2003;Paquette et al., 2007), montane areas Vences et al., 2002) and dry forest (Glos, 2003;Glos et al., 2008b). ...
Madagascar is home of many biodiversity and most of them are endemic to the island. Herpetofauna combining two classes of vertebrates such as amphibians and reptiles; this group with more than 350 described species for each class is considered as high diversity. Species in this group is more specialists in terms of habitat selection which they are forest dependent especially the eastern rainforest. Habitat loss by swidden agriculture practice and charcoal production is the main threat in this country. Forest regeneration is very difficult because people continue to use lands for crops until it’s becoming infertile. We conducted research impact of land use change on biodiversity considering amphibians and reptiles around CAZ. The study area is one of the biggest remaining corridors in the eastern of Madagascar. This study took account of four habitats from forest to degraded land and one additional land use which is the reforestation plot. The mains goal of this study is to compare species diversity and abundance in objectives to identify where we should focus on conservation in the future. Three standard methods for herpetofauna inventory were used for each land use. Forty four sites were visited and 152 species of amphibian and reptile were inventoried. Closed canopy forest is home of the most species that we found and the degraded land is the poorest in terms of species richness. Result of this study indicates also that habitat restoration is very important. The difference between land uses might be the result of the change on microclimate which affect species distribution.
... Although the island-country is only 400 km from the eastern coast of Africa, it has been isolated from that continent for 4160 million years and from India for B90 million years (Storey et al., 1995), it is nearly unique among megadiversity countries in having such high endemismaround 80%-90% of the species, 20% of the genera, and 5% of the families of flowering plants are endemic to the island (Mittermeier et al. 1999;Phillipson et al., 2006). Total endemism (100%) is found for flagship groups such as the amphibians (Andreone et al., 2008), and the lemurs (Mittermeier et al., 2010(Mittermeier et al., , 2021. In other groups, there are also cases of whole or predominant family endemism in islands, such as the sucker-footed bats of Madagascar or the majority of funnel-eared bats, endemic to Caribbean islands (Jones et al., 2009). ...
Eighteen megadiversity countries are home to 70% of the species in the world. They also host more than 64% of the languages spoken on the planet. This paper builds on this strong correlation to argue that diversity of cultures is an expression of biological diversity. These two components of diversity must, therefore, be treated jointly by science, policy and practice to a much greater extent than is currently the case. We also present the risks and opportunities for the megadiversity countries from scientific, socioeconomic and political viewpoints.
... With the herpetofauna of Madagascar facing rapid ongoing habitat loss, the description of new reptile species is often a compulsory action so that species-based conservation measures can promptly be enacted. In particular, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species requires species to be named to propose conservation categories and apply safeguard measures [1][2][3]. While much time and effort has been spent on taxonomy, outside a handful of popular species common in the pet trade (e.g., Furcifer pardalis [4]), the ethological and ecological requirements of most reptile species in Madagascar remain largely unknown. ...
Simple Summary
The spiny-tailed lizard Oplurus cyclurus is a widespread endemic iguanian occurring in southern and western Madagascar dry areas. This species is mostly arboreal, and little is known about its spatial ecology. We conducted a radio tracking study on 19 individuals of a population with saxicolous habits, inhabiting an open, treeless savannah in the Isalo sandstone massif (central-southern Madagascar). Tracked lizards had a small home range size (95% isopleth = 247.8 m²) and showed high site and burrow fidelity. The activity pattern was unimodal, increasing along the day and with juveniles more active than adults in unfavourable weather conditions. Basking occurred mostly near the burrow entrance. Despite high burrow fidelity, lizards changed shelters regularly (approx. once a week), but there was no obvious relation between lizards’ body and/or tail size and the width and depth of selected burrows. We argue that the saxicolous habits of this population may entail local behavioural adaptations.
Abstract
Understanding the spatial ecology of species has important implications for conservation, as it helps identify suitable habitats and minimum requirements for biodiversity monitoring and management. The spiny-tailed lizard Oplurus cyclurus is a widespread endemic iguanid occurring in dry areas of southern and western Madagascar. While the species is known to be mostly arboreal, populations of the Isalo sandstone massif suggest local adaptation to a less forested savannah and a more exposed habitat. We radio-tracked 19 spiny-tailed lizards to investigate the species’ rock-dwelling behaviour and spatial ecology at Isalo National Park. Tracked individuals showed high site and burrow fidelity, and a basking behaviour mostly tied to the accessibility of their burrow, the time of day, and their life stage. Activity peaked during the sunniest hours, while juveniles were more active than adults with unfavourable weather conditions. Despite high burrow fidelity, lizards used shelters non-exclusively, regularly changing (approx. once a week) with neighbouring burrows (average distance between burrows = 13.6 m). However, there was no obvious relation between lizards’ body and/or tail size and the width and depth of selected burrows. Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models estimated frequented areas over 247.8 m² (95% isopleth), where territorial overlap is common. Our results challenge the notion that burrow-site fidelity is the sole driving factor behind space utilization in the studied population. We argue that the apparently unusual saxicolous habits imposed by habitat features (the absence of trees) may lead to local behavioural adjustments influencing antipredatory and foraging strategies, as well as intraspecific interactions.
... The Ankaratra forest, one of the biodiversity hotspots in Madagascar, is home to the locally endemic and Critically Endangered amphibian, Mantidactylus pauliani [1,2]. This species has previously been recorded at elevations above 2000 m [3][4][5], and specifically lives in the cold rocky streams of the Ankaratra Mountain. ...
Mountain summits in Madagascar generally have species with specific habitat requirements, providing a home to a unique and locally endemic herpetofauna. Among them is M. pauliani, a typically aquatic and critically endangered amphibian found on the Ankaratra Massif. This species inhabits high elevations with a limited distribution range. Our study aimed to present new data on the distribution and elevational range, habitat use, and threats to M. pauliani and its occurrence according to habitat changes. To achieve this, annual monitoring was carried out from 2018 to 2021. Nine 100 m transects were established along streams at elevations ranging from 1762 to 2378 m a.s.l. along which we conducted visual encounter surveys. Data analysis was performed using a χ2 test and Factor Correspondence Analysis. We found that M. pauliani occupies elevations between 1900 and 2378 m a.s.l. within humid forests and savannah habitats. The results showed a fluctuation in the number of animals observed and a higher occurrence at higher elevations throughout the years according to the season, stream quality, and water volume. Ongoing habitat alteration makes M. pauliani vulnerable to population decline, with annual bushfires likely having a negative impact on habitat.
... The Ankaratra forest, one of the biodiversity hotspots in Madagascar, is home to the locally endemic and Critically Endangered amphibian, Mantidactylus pauliani [1,2]. This species has previously been recorded at elevations above 2000 m [3][4][5], and specifically lives in the cold rocky streams of the Ankaratra Mountain. ...
Mantidactylus pauliani is a locally endemic amphibian species restricted to mountain
streams on the Ankaratra Massif, in the central highlands of Madagascar. This species has a
highly restricted distribution, which makes it vulnerable to habitat destruction and, consequently,
M. pauliani is considered one of the most threatened frog species in Madagascar. Therefore, having
information concerning M. pauliani and its habitat is necessary for effective conservation. Our study
aimed to examine the population status of M. pauliani by verifying its geographic distribution and
elevational range, exploring habitat use, and assessing threats. M. pauliani occurs from 1900 m
to 2378 m a.s.l. and is most abundant at an altitude between 1993 and 2166 m. Adults, juveniles,
and tadpoles were associated with different levels of stream depth, speed, and width. We found
that human activities are contributing to habitat losses, which is modifying its environment and
threatening the species’ survival. The data collected on the occurrence and habitat use of M. pauliani
serve as an “environmental alert dashboard” to promote sustainable conservation.
... Supply chain structures on 3 Madagascar vary [46,47], though the three-actor level chain was most commonly used with collector and intermediary positions filled by Malagasy people [37,42]. However, the wildlife trade comes with potential hazards to an already challenging situation of protecting Madagascar's wildlife, such as the potential of overharvesting, animal welfare issues, cartel formations, the possibility of introducing the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis into new locations, etc. [18,35,48]. ...
Wildlife tourism and wildlife trade may appear juxtaposed, but are two, potentially aligning, in-come generators that could benefit conservation in developing countries. Utilising data sets collated from Madagascar’s Ministère du Tourisme and CITES respectively for the period 2007 to 2018, this study estimated levels of income from wildlife tourism and wildlife trade for Madagascar. Between 2007-2018, tourism reported yearly incomes ranging from a low of US $1.4 million up to a high of US $15.7 million. However, it was unclear what percentage of this figure flowed to benefit local communities. Alternatively, using reported networks for the live wildlife trade, the estimated eco-nomic value reaching collectors and/or intermediaries on Madagascar was US $72,299.80 for the period 2007 to 2018. Both revenue generators operated within different geographical areas, with tourism opportunities presenting themselves to communities adjacent NPs, while wildlife trade networks were not restricted to National Parks and operated sporadically across Madagascar. Hence, the economic benefits reached different Malagasy participants across the country. The management of both activities needs great care to ensure that environmental impacts and sus-tainability are core measures on any such activities. Whilst this study shines light on economic values and novel perspectives regarding these two trade types, it also highlighted knowledge gaps. Thus, indicating where much greater research attentions was required to allow better understanding of the specific benefits and risks from engaging with both trade types for local Malagasy people and their environments.
... Many factors have changed since the previous studies on the Malagasy amphibian trade were conducted. For example, political leadership has changed, while greater and more coordinated strategic conservation efforts have been made [29][30][31]. The latter actions were supported through multi-national environmental agreements (MEAs), such as CITES, with the majority of traded Malagasy species listed within CITES Appendices, with varying conditions applying to them [32,33]. ...
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot with a long history of trading in its wildlife, especially its hyper-diverse amphibian taxa. Due to globally raised concerns over the conservation of harvested species, CITES was introduced as a global mechanism with which to monitor and regulate the trade. Utilising data collated from the CITES Trade database, this study sought to investigate the trade and CITES’ effectiveness in managing the trade with respect to Madagascar. Over a 28-year period, 20 known amphibian species were exported from Madagascar, constituting a total of nearly 271,000 individuals. Formal descriptions of Malagasy amphibian species have increased and continue to increase greatly over time. However, there was no longitudinal relationship regarding the numbers of individuals traded as new species were described. Overall, the number of individuals traded has declined over time, but where assessments were provided by the IUCN Redlist, population declines were reported in all but one species of Malagasy amphibian. Mantella (97.5%) continues to be the predominantly traded genus, with certain, high-conservation-concern, species continuing to be traded. Despite initial concerns over the effectiveness of CITES’s actions, after concerted efforts, it appears that CITES’ actions were having positive impacts on regulating the trade. However, going forward, concerns remain over the appropriateness of the quotas set and the robustness of their underpinning NDFs. Furthermore, with the increase in the number of recognised species, the potential for incorrect species labelling on the CITES permits increases and requires greater attention.
... Madagascar is considered one of the most important of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with several new species being described each year [19][20][21]. Moreover, most of those species are strictly endemic, and some occur in small, isolated and unprotected patches [22,23]. ...
Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot, containing a large proportion of endemic species. To make conservation efforts more effective, it is necessary to understand the spatial distribution of this huge biodiversity. In this study, the patterns of morphological variation and diversity in the adult anurans of Madagascar were evaluated and compared across different climatic regions. These patterns were investigated for 370 species (2360 specimens), and the variation in 13 morphological traits obtained from taxonomic databases was assessed. The results revealed differences in body size distribution across climatic regions and that the most morphologically distinctive species occur in humid regions. The analysis also showed that anuran assemblages tend to be more species-rich, more morphologically diverse, and more morphologically clustered in tropical rainforests. These patterns are attributable to regional variations in the amount and seasonality of precipitation. An understanding of the complex patterns of spatial diversity could be useful for regional prioritization in the conservation of Madagascan anurans.
