Madagaskars Skinks

Save Bobaomby’s Biodiversity from Extinction

The Bobaomby region in northern Madagascar is home to unique biodiversity, including two critically endangered and locally endemic skink species: Madascincus arenicola and Paracontias minimus. Despite their ecological importance, little is known about their biology, population size, or habitat requirements, and they are often overlooked in conservation efforts.
The dry forests of Bobaomby face significant threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, timber extraction, and charcoal production. These pressures, combined with limited conservation initiatives, are putting the region’s biodiversity at risk.

To address these challenges, Tertius Rodriguez Belalahy (Madagasikara Voakajy) is launching a project to improve the conservation of these skinks and their habitats. The initiative will involve local communities in developing a simplified action plan and equip them with skills to participate in biodiversity conservation. It will also train university students and teachers to conduct research on the species and raise awareness of biodiversity threats, with the aim of reducing habitat degradation and other threats.

This project aims to ensure the survival of Madascincus arenicola and Paracontias minimus, while building local capacity and informing long-term conservation strategies in northern Madagascar.