The local context
Fohisokina covers an extremely small area. a very rare small frog that is strictly endemic to the Madagascan High Plateaux The Harlequin Mantel (Mantella cowanii). Its rarity makes it extremely attractive to traffickers. Its habitat now covers only a few hundred or thousand hectares worldwide, in the Betsiléo region in south-central Madagascar.
In 1988, Olivier Behra, founder of L'Homme et l'Environnement, alerted the Madagascan authorities and the international community to ban trade in this frog in order to prevent its disappearance.
In Madagascar, fires in the highlands are recurrent and endanger the Harlequin Mantel and its habitat. The association L'Homme et l'Environnement has found the initial funds needed to convince the regional and national authorities, and above all the local populations, to demarcate an area of habitat to be protected for the conservation of this unique amphibian.
Living conditions are difficult in the region and there are few sources of income, so it is quite difficult to limit bush fires in the area, which are often started by zebu herders.
Project objectives
- Reforesting and monitoring the Fohisokina site (2 nurserymen/ecogardists)
- Developing income-generating activities for local people (fish farming, cultivation and distillation of essential geranium oil, etc.)
- Financing the salaries of 3 teachers
Harlequin mantella - Mantella cowanii
Issues
At Fohisokina, the slopes of a mountain are home to one of the last three known populations of the Mantella cowanii. The species frequents the upper reaches of a river and granite slopes with numerous seeps. A very special natural habitat dominated by minerals, but also characterised by numerous species of mosses, micro ferns, lichens and succulent plants, including aloes. In places, this unusual world is almost reminiscent of a peat bog!
The project aims to protect the ecosystem where the Harlequin Mantel lives in Fohisokina, while improving the living conditions of local people.
Already completed
- Refurbishment of the primary school
- Recruitment of 2 teachers
- Installation of 2 nurserymen
- Rehabilitation of the fish pond
- Development of a rice fish farming industry
- Planting orange trees
