Aspects de la Conservation des Reptiles et des Amphibiens dans la Région de Daraina

Abstract

This paper deals with conservation aspects of amphibians and reptiles in the Daraina region, north eastern part of Madagascar, where herpetological surveys undertaken between October 2002 and March 2003 and between October 2003 and March 2004 lead to the discovery of 36 amphibians and 74 reptiles. Thirteen taxa among them are currently known only within the Daraina forest areas, and 20 are listed in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendices II and I. These high herpetofaunal species diversity and endemism demonstrate the value of this site in terms of terrestrial vertebrate conservation in Madagascar, and the need of an urgent conservation strategy to protect these natural resources.