Jersey shells out support for tortoise facing extinction

Tuesday 23 October 2018

The survival of a rare species of Madagascan tortoise could depend on Durrell's captive population after illegal trafficking and poaching has left the species dangerously close to extinction.

The number of ploughshare tortoises left in their native Madagascar is said to be “perilously low” after they have been poached and trafficked to such an extent that they are nearing extinction in the wild.

A spokesperson for Durrell said: "The ploughshares in Jersey are part of the European captive population, so should the worst happen in Madagascar and all the ploughshares disappear, animals from captive populations outside the country could be taken back there. 

"In Jersey Zoo, our ploughshares (which were confiscated in Hong Kong airport a few years ago) also have the role of educating the public about the plight of the ploughshare in Madagascar. Their exhibit in the reptile house shows the reason why they are so endangered - the illegal wildlife trade. In their enclosure you can see a suitcase full of (fake) tortoises wrapped in clingfilm to show how they are smuggled through airports etc. 

"Having the ploughshares here at Jersey Zoo also allows the keepers to learn/practise new husbandry techniques and experiment with things like tagging systems. If proven successful, these techniques can then be used by the team in Madagascar."

Pictured: Smuggled ploughshare tortoises seized in Thailand (TRAFFIC).

This news comes after research co-authored by Durrell scientists and conservationists showed the impact poaching and the illegal pet trade have been having on the species since the early 2000’s.

Durrell’s Head of Conservation Knowledge, and the paper’s senior author, Dr Richard Young said: “This study sets out the evidence for the catastrophic decline in the ploughshare due to poaching, despite our best efforts and those of our partners."

Pictured: The ploughshare tortoise's survival as a species has been endangered due to illegal poaching and trafficking (Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust). 

“The paper starkly illustrates the overwhelming threat the illegal wildlife trade is exerting on many lesser known wildlife species, many of which are vanishing without the world knowing about it.” 

As part of this research, field surveys conducted between 2006 and 2015 in Madagascar showed that the island’s native ploughshare population had halved during this period – leaving just 500 adult tortoises left in the wild by 2014-15. 

The figures also showed that there had been a sharp increase in trafficking of the tortoises since 2010, with prices for the rare reptiles on the black market also seeing a dramatic rise.

Pictured: Ploughshare tortoise guards at Ampijoroa in Madagascar, ensuring that the remaining survivors of the species are protected (Turtle Conservancy).

In order to combat the crisis facing the wild ploughshare tortoise, international captive populations of the reptile, including those in Jersey Zoo, are being relocated and new breeding centres will be built in Madagascar to give the species a chance of survival. 

A Conservation Scientist for Durrell Madagascar, Angelo Ramy, commented on the dire situation of the ploughshare tortoises: “The extinction of the ploughshare tortoise is inevitable unless poaching for the illegal pet trade is brought to a halt and we will lose a special part of Madagascar’s natural heritage. 

“Our intensive management approach is vital if these beautiful tortoises are to have any chance of surviving in the wild and perhaps one day recovering.”