Madagascar is known unofficially as the 8th continent due to its amazing diversity of animals and plants that live nowhere else. However, there is a darker side of paradise. This island is also a gold mine for poachers, seeking profit from the animals that call this place home, including some of their most beautiful residents: the tortoises. If you have ever seen a Malagasy tortoise, you are sure to be awestruck. Their amazing vibrant colors and high-domed carapaces are a sight to see, but are highly sought after in the pet industry, leaving the current population in the wild dwindling. There three species of high concern that are endemic to Madagascar. Plougshare Tortoise Radiated Tortoise Spider Tortoise Now the real question: I’ve heard that there are some extensive breeding programs for these beautiful relics, but I wonder if their population has really increased since these programs started. Info that might be helpful: TSA (Turtle Survival Alliance) Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Behler Chelonian Center Turtle Conservancy - Behler Chelonian Center Viper
Breeding in captivity - if that is what you are asking (the thread's title is somewhat diffuse on that) - is becoming more common place AND more collections are focussing on the species. Whether the overall trend is an increasing, stable or decreasing population I cannot say at the moment. I would have to look at all the stats over the years.
News from the Durrell Wildlife Trust's in situ program for the ploughshare tortoise. Ploughshare | Home | Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Alan
@Kifaru Sorry I wan't clear, I was aware of growing populations in captivity, but curious to see if releasing these torts in the wild has had any affect on the current tortoise population in Madagascar. @Gentle Lemur I have found the MWF's website very interesting and thought you or other zoochatters might be curious. Basically, the MWF has released some tortoises, including radiated, on Round Island to replenish the extinct native tortoises that lived there Welcome to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) - In The Field - Mauritius - Tortoises Viper
100th Ploughshare tortoise released ! : http://www.durrell.org/wildlife/species-index/ploughshare-tortoise/timeline/#news
