Securing the population of Mantella viridis in Northern of Madagascar
One third of Malagasy amphibian species is threatened with extinction. Amongst them is the green mantella (Mantella viridis), a species that is endemic in northern Madagascar and whose breeding sites are especially threatened by habitat loss. In this project, a team of Parcours Zoology, University of Mahajanga, plans the assessment of Mantella viridis in Montagne des Français and the establishment of a conservation breeding program to secure its population.
Overall goals of the project are:
- The characterization of the natural habitat of Mantella viridis for captive breeding utilization
- The assessment and identification of main threats within the natural habitat of Mantella viridis
- The collection of Mantella viridis specimens
- The establishment of captive breeding of Mantella viridis at Mahajanga University for the conservation program
Activities planned for 2021 are:
- The characterization and monitoring of Mantella viridis and its habitat within its reproduction site
- The collection of specimens and transport to the established breeding station of university
- The establishment of a breeding colony in the university
- Capacity building for the students of the university supervised by a Malagasy expert in captive breeding
- Publications in journals and exchange of information
- The planning of workshops
- The cooperation with local stakeholders and the ministry regarding a long-term implementation of the protection program