Thanks to the support of Rainforest Trust, local conservationists have protected 20,090 acres of critical habitat for three Critically Endangered species.

[crb_slider][crb_slide image=”https://legacy.rainforesttrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Molly-Bletz1.jpg” credits=”William’s Bright-eyed Frog. Photo by Molly Bletz” title=”” text=””][/crb_slider]

After a five-year effort, some of Madagascar’s rarest amphibian and reptile species have received protection within the newly created Ankaratra Massif Reserve. The Madagascan conservation organization Association Vondrona Ivon’ny Fampandrosoanavif (VIF) established the reserve with the support of its U.S. partners Rainforest Trust, Amphibian Survival Alliance and Global Wildlife Conservation.

Located 45 miles south of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, the protected area encompasses a mixture of heathland, savanna and cloud forest environments. Its streams and forest are home to one reptile, the Marvelous Gecko, and two frogs, Williams’ Bright-eyed Frog and the Madagascar Frog, that are found nowhere else.

“This is an exciting time for amphibian conservation in Madagascar,” said James P. Lewis, director of operations for the Amphibian Survival Alliance. “The creation of the Ankaratra Massif Reserve shows that through broad collaborative approaches we can make a real difference to the survival of some the world’s most threatened and unique species.”

[crb_slider][crb_slide image=”https://legacy.rainforesttrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Robin-Moore-1.jpg” credits=”Local communities are involved in monitoring efforts. Photo by James Lewis.” title=”” text=””][/crb_slider]

Due to highly specialized habitat requirements, these species—known as micro-endemics—inhabit tiny ranges. For example, the Madagascar Frog is known to inhabit a single stream and the Marvelous Gecko is found within an area covering 16 square miles. Agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and uncontrolled fires, however, have led to dramatic habitat loss, pushing these species toward extinction.

“Ankaratra Massif is unique in all of Madagascar for its treasure trove of rare species and its deep cultural significance,” said Dr. Robin Moore, conservation officer for GWC. “It is a testament to the vision and the dedication of local communities who have worked alongside VIF, with support from the international community, to protect their forests – this is a wonderful collaborative victory for conservation in Madagascar.”

Localized threats in the Ankarata Massif reflect a larger, destructive pattern that has transformed much of Madagascar’s natural landscape. Between 1950 and 2000, the island lost more than 40 percent of its forest. For Madagascar’s 300 described frog species, 99.8 percent of which are endemic, this has meant ever increasing challenges. Twenty percent are now considered threatened and nine are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.

[crb_slider][crb_slide image=”https://legacy.rainforesttrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Robin-Moore-2.jpg” credits=”Between 1950 and 2000 Madagascar lost half of its forest. Photo by James Lewis” title=”” text=””][/crb_slider]

The situation worsened earlier this year with news that the deadly chytrid fungus (Bd), which has already devastated amphibian populations around the world, has been discovered in Madagascar. While the disease has yet to cause extinction in Madagascar, it has added fresh urgency to protection efforts.

“Madagascar is home to one of the world’s most important and diverse frog populations,” said Dr. Paul Salaman, CEO of Rainforest Trust. “As threats to these species grow it’s critical that we work together to create and implement effective solutions. Our project with VIF is an excellent example of the progress that can be made when international conservation groups partner effectively with local conservationists.”

VIF will manage the new reserve in cooperation with local communities. VIF has collaborated with community associations to establish forest guard units that will regularly patrol the reserve to stop illegal logging. These patrols, established two years ago, have already proved effective and are helping to decrease logging rates.

Local communities are also engaged in reforestation efforts intended to improve habitat within the protected area. The results of these efforts have been promising. Although amphibian populations have fluctuated since monitoring began in 2010, they have shown positive signs of growth.

This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of Eric Veach and Luanne Lemmer.