Project Rufus
Conducting collaborative research and local conservation awareness-raising to enhance the long-term survival of the Madagascar Flying Fox, Pteropus rufus, and contribute to an international body of knowledge regarding their lifecycle and behaviour.
The Madagascar Flying Fox (Pteropus rufus) is a species of fruit megabat unique to Madagascar, roosting predominantly in coastal regions, within a range of habitats. P. rufus is an important species for the general health of the forest as its ability to travel long distances each night in search of food makes it a valuable long-distance seed disperser and pollinator, especially important to fragmented forest ecosystems such as in the Anosy region. The Sainte Luce colony is of significant importance as it roosts within a large, botanically diverse forest fragment within the Sainte Luce littoral forest. There is currently one colony inhabiting the Sainte Luce littoral forest but it faces great threats from the local community who also depend upon the forest for survival.
P. rufus is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, based on an estimated population reduction of over 30% in the last three generations
IUCN, 2016
Research conducted by the SEED Madagascar Conservation Research Programme (SCRP) estimates that since 1982 the Madagascar Flying Fox population in Sainte Luce has decreased by 65%. SEED needs to support the development of a comprehensive conservation strategy from within the community if the Sainte Luce colony is going to survive.
Interim Phase (2019-2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic increased pressure on already limited forest resources for the nearby communities, as food prices rose, and income opportunities disappeared. Illegal logging approximately 10 meters from the P. rufus roost was recorded in mid-October 2020. As a result, the bats temporarily left the roost and moved outside of the protected exclusion zone. In response to this:
- An Enforcement Committee was established to strengthen the implementation of the local law and reduce the likelihood of further illegal activities occurring.
- Work is ongoing on ratification of this local law at the regional level.
- Project staff facilitated discussions around the consequences for illegal behaviours within the exclusion zone.
So far, there have been no records of illegal activities within the exclusion zone. Additionally, recent bat counts carried out by the SEED research team have shown the bat colony appears to have returned to the exclusion zone in S6 for breeding season; at the last count, approximately 700 individuals were counted.
The increase in bat numbers in S6 and the lack of perpetrators are positive signs that SEED’s efforts are working. However, it is important to continue to monitor the roost, to ensure numbers are maintained and the protection continues. Additionally, SEED aims to continue research into the bat’s usage of S6 and nearby fragment S7, as the latter area is unprotected.
With additional funding, SEED would be able to continue the ongoing monitoring of the situation, with further bat counts, forest patrols and community engagement.
Phase I (2016-2018)
Our Conservation Research Programme volunteers collected data on the feeding habits of the Sainte Luce colony of P. rufus, to advise on a unique conservation strategy for the colony. Whilst volunteers conducted this research, SEED staff worked with the local community and key stakeholders to develop a locally enforced protected area around the colony’s roost tree. With the endorsement of local organisations, a ban on hunting and logging was enforced, limiting the threats to the population. Our Community Development volunteers were also involved with Project Rufus, building and erecting a bat hide in the protected area. This allowed guided tours to be run by local guides to view the bats whilst causing minimal disturbance to the colony. These tours provided an alternative source of income to logging and hunting for the local community, and enhanced ownership of the conservation effort within Sainte Luce.
Project Rufus also supported environmental education as a method of conservation. SCRP staff and volunteers conducted environmental education sessions in the two schools in Sainte Luce and conducted mass mobilisation events across the community. SEED anticipates that highlighting the importance of P. rufus and raising awareness of its local threats will allow the communities to identify, monitor and tackle the threats to its survival.
Achievements of Phase 1
- Conducted community meetings and surveys to monitor P. rufus hunting and promote its conservation
- A locally enforced exclusion zone, banning hunting and logging, was created
- A community-managed elevated P. rufus viewing platform was erected
- P. rufus conservation was the focus of 2016's World Environment Day celebrations
- A nursery containing 130 guava seedlings and 100 fig seedlings was established to boost food availability in the region
Donors
Principal donors to the project include: Rufford Foundation, Phoenix Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, James Hall, and Lake District Wildlife Park.
We are seeking funding for the second phase of the project. If you are interested in funding Project Rufus please get in touch.
