Reptiles, rainforest and conservation in Madagascar

Abstract

A survey of reptiles was made in five rainforest sites, which included both mid- and low-altitude forest, and a range of human disturbances. A total of 28 identified species were recorded during 79 days in the field. Some of these are only known from museum collections, and for most there is no field information available. With the rapid increase of rainforest clearance in Madagascar such an absence of even the most basic information can only be harmful for conservation projects of the future. An overview is given of the reptile community of the eastern forest, as well as discussions on sampling methods and the effects of seasonality and altitude. It is proposed that a solution to maintain the biotic diversity of rainforest should be based on a system of multiple use, using an island archipelago approach, with Eucalyptus afforestation and rice cultivation by irrigating terracing.