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| Richard Jenkins, Ph.D. |
| Director, Madagasikara Voakajy |
| Conservation of Overlooked Threatened Species: Phelsuma serraticauda in Madagascar |
| Location: Ivoloina, Toamasina, Madagascar |
| Species: Phelsuma serraticauda |
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| Abstract: Phelsuma serraticauda is one of the least known, but most threatened reptiles in Madagascar. This large green day gecko is only known from one tiny unprotected site in the lowlands of eastern Madagascar where it is illegally collected for the pet trade under the guise of a look-a-like species (P. laticauda). This project is a collaboration between a Malagasy biodiversity organization and a zoo. A joint team will conduct thorough surveys for P. serraticauda in suitable habitats and study its biology to develop a better understanding about its distribution and conservation needs. Local communities, land owners and other stakeholders will be encouraged to participate in conservation and future monitoring and we will produce a colorful education poster/brochure to support this aim. The project will therefore lead to a greater local awareness about P. serraticauda, reduced collection pressure, as well as a raised international conservation status through the IUCN Red List. |
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