Mantella viridis

Securing the population of Mantella viridis in Northern of Madagascar

One third of Malagasy amphibian species is threatened with extinction. Amongst them is the green mantella (Mantella viridis), a species that is endemic in northern Madagascar and whose breeding sites are especially threatened by habitat loss. In this project, a team of Parcours Zoology, University of Mahajanga, plans the assessment of Mantella viridis in Montagne des Français and the establishment of a conservation breeding program to secure its population.  

Overall goals of the project are:

• The characterization of the natural habitat of Mantella viridis for captive breeding utilization
• The assessment and identification of main threats within the natural habitat of Mantella viridis
• The collection of Mantella viridis specimens
• The establishment of captive breeding of Mantella viridis at Mahajanga University for the conservation program

Activities planned for 2021 are:

• The characterization and monitoring of Mantella viridis and its habitat within its reproduction site
• The collection of specimens and transport to the established breeding station of university
• The establishment of a breeding colony in the university
• Capacity building for the students of the university supervised by a Malagasy expert in captive breeding
• Publications in journals and exchange of information
• The planning of workshops
• The cooperation with local stakeholders and the ministry regarding a long-term implementation of the protection program