A fauna inventory in the Protected Area of Beampingaratsy in Madagascar, a threatened biodiversity
Header photo: Furcifer balteatus
Within the framework of the Talaky project, a fauna inventory was carried out in order to know the richness of the area and to define the species that should be targeted for conservation for the creation of the New Protected Area of Beampingaratsy in the Anosy Region, Madagascar. This inventory was carried out by the association ECOFAUNA at the end of the year 2020.
A total of 185 species were identified, including 44 species of amphibians, 32 species of reptiles, 78 species of birds, 16 species of small non-flying mammals, 6 species of lemurs, 4 species of bats, 4 species of carnivores and one species of Artiodactyla.
Mantella haraldmeieri
By taxonomic group, the main results are as follows:
- 25% of the amphibians and 9% of the reptiles inventoried are considered threatened according to the IUCN red list. Some amphibians, such as Mantella haraldmeieri, are endemic of the Anosy Region.
- Among the birds, 48 species are endemic to Madagascar including 3 considered vulnerable and 4 as nearly threatened according to the IUCN.
- Concerning lemurs, 6 species have been inventoried including 4 nocturnal species (Microcebus cf. tanosi, Cheirogaleus cf. major, Avahi meridionalis, Daubentonia madagascariensis), 1 diurnal species (Hapalemur meridionalis) and 1 cathemeral (Eulemur collaris). Of these 6 species inventoried, 4 species (Microcebus tanosi, Eulemur collaris, Avahi meridionalis and Daubentonia madagascariensis) are classified as endangered (EN) and 2 species (Cheirogaleus major and Hapalemur meridionalis) are considered vulnerable (VU).
- The inventory of small mammals counts 16 species, including 15 endemic species and one introduced rodent species (Rattus rattus).
Brachypteracias leptosomus
This inventory highlighted the presence of rare species whose distribution is still poorly known. For example, specialists thought that Microcebus cf. tanosi was no longer present in the area, but this inventory shows that the Anosian chain is still part of its habitat. Close monitoring is needed to confirm its presence and refine its range. Special protection will also be required.
This inventory will be completed by the end of 2021 to study the zones of the New Protected Area (NAP) at higher altitude.
Eulemur collaris
The main threats to these species are habitat loss due to deforestation by slash-and-burn agriculture for the subsistence of local communities and hunting. The Talaky project is working for forest conservation and these species while ensuring more sustainable agricultural practices and the development of economically interesting value chains.
