SEED Madagascar

Project Phelsuma

Project Phelsuma aims to support the long-term survival of the Critically Endangered Phelsuma antanosy (P. antanosy). One of the most endangered geckos in the world, the P. antanosy is a species of day gecko endemic to an area no larger than 16km² in the Anosy region of southeast Madagascar.

The population is severely fragmented with just four known isolated subpopulations remaining. Area of occupancy (AoO) estimates suggest a maximal distribution of nine km², although these are outdated and do not reflect increasing habitat degradation. Three of the four remaining subpopulations exist within the littoral forest fragments of Sainte Luce. Presently, the largest subpopulation of P. antanosy, around 3,500 individuals, exists within the unprotected Sainte Luce Forest Fragment known as S7. This fragment is situated within a proposed ilmenite mining zone and is expected to be cleared and mined in the next two to fifteen years. In contrast, very few individuals inhabit the larger protected forest fragment of S9, situated beyond the mining footprint.                                                                                                                        

Less than 10,000 individuals are estimated to remain, and these remaining geckos are threatened by ongoing deforestation and proposed mining activities in the region

IUCN, 2014

In response to this threat, Project Phelsuma Phase I will support the conservation needs of this highly vulnerable species through research, habitat restoration, and the development of a five-year translocation strategy, which will inform future conservation ambitions to translocate at-risk P. antanosy subpopulations into protected areas. The project will run for a duration of one year with activities commencing in April 2024.

Previous research conducted by SEED revealed a strong ecological association between P. antanosy and a particular species of screwpine, Pandanus longistylus (P. longistylus), which the P. antanosy likely depend on exclusively for egg-laying. Transplantation of P. longistylus into S9 will therefore aim to increase the availability of P. antanosy’s highly specialised habitat within the protected areas of Sainte Luce. Research will aim to increase scientific understanding and raise awareness of this highly under researched species, with a focus on reproductive behaviour, life history, population abundance, and translocation methodology. Gathering information to conduct a Status Review will also identify current and emerging conservation threats to enable appropriate conservation action.

Achievements Prior to April 2024

• Research surveys conducted from 2014 – 2015 provided insight into the close association of P. antanosy with two terrestrial species of Screw Palm (Pandanus longistylus and Pandanus delphinensis).
• Genetic research conducted from 2017 – 2018 gathered tissue samples from P. antanosy in three forest fragments in Sainte Luce. Analysis showed no significant genetic variation between subpopulations.
• Recorded the first ever video footage of P. antanosy mating behaviour.

Next Steps

• Conduct behavioural surveys to address knowledge gaps and increase understanding of the species life history.
• Conduct microhabitat surveys in S9 to determine P. antanosy habitat availability. 
• Conduct demographic analysis to assess P. antanosy population abundance and distribution in Sainte Luce.
• Complete a cross visit to Ambatotsirongorongo forest, location of the fourth subpopulation, to gather relevant information for the Status Review.
• Conduct P. longistylus transplantation trials in S9 to increase habitat availability for P. antanosy.

Donors

Project Phelsuma is thankful for the generosity of National Geographic for contributing partial funding to the project.