Bernard Devaux, a renowned conservationist, has dedicated his life to protecting tortoises, particularly in Madagascar. With a passion for these creatures that spans over three decades, Devaux has established "Turtle Villages" worldwide, including one in Mangily, Toliara. His efforts aim to combat the alarming rate of tortoise trafficking, with over 21,000 endemic tortoises seized in Madagascar between 2018 and 2021, according to the NGO Traffic.
The situation is dire, with Madagascar being the native habitat of five rare and unique tortoise species, all listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Devaux's organization, the Station for Observation and Protection of Tortoises (Soptom), works tirelessly to protect these species. Soptom, co-founded by Devaux and British biologist David Stubbs, has been creating Turtle Villages in France, Corsica, Senegal, and Madagascar since 1988.
The Turtle Village in Mangily-Ifaty, Toliara, was established in collaboration with the local Association for Environmental Conservation (ASE), led by University Professor Daniel Ramampiherika. The village serves as a sanctuary for tortoises, providing a safe haven for these animals to thrive. Devaux explains that the village's primary focus is on education and awareness-raising among children and adults to improve the welfare of tortoises.
Madagascar's tortoise species face numerous threats, including habitat destruction, urbanization, and trafficking. Devaux emphasizes that the situation is critical, with these species disappearing at an alarming rate over the past century. The tortoises are highly sought after by traffickers, often from Asian mafias, who sell them to collectors at exorbitant prices.
In June, 500 tortoises were released back into the wild near Lake Tsimanampetsotsa, equipped with transmitters to track their movements over two years. This conservation effort was made possible with the help of local naturalists, a Malagasy veterinarian, and financial and technical support from Soptom. Devaux continues to advocate for increased protection and support from authorities.
Devaux stresses the importance of collaboration with local communities, authorities, and organizations to combat tortoise trafficking. He believes that raising awareness and implementing stricter measures can help curb the trafficking of these endangered species. To further his cause, Devaux produces films and writes books about tortoise biology and conservation.
Through his tireless efforts, Devaux aims to protect not only the tortoises but also the ecosystems they inhabit. His work serves as a testament to the importance of conservation and the need for collective action to safeguard the planet's biodiversity.
Key points
- Over 21,000 endemic tortoises were seized in Madagascar between 2018 and 2021.
- Madagascar is home to five rare and unique tortoise species, all listed in Appendix I of CITES.
- The Station for Observation and Protection of Tortoises has been creating Turtle Villages since 1988.
