Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust - Saving species from extinction

Madagascar & Comoros

One of nature’s crown jewels

Madagascar is the oldest island on the planet. All this time in isolation allowed strange and fascinating plants and animals to evolve here that are found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar and the younger volcanic islands of the Comoros form part of one of the five most important areas in the world for biodiversity. But this richness is under threat, with consequences for both wildlife and people.

Conservation for people and wildlife in Madagascar & Comoros

 

Durrell focuses on the most threatened species and the most threatened habitats of Madagascar and the Comoros. Rural communities depend on the same ecosystems for their livelihoods, so our approach is based on empowering these communities to lead in the protection of their local environments. Over 25 years in Madagascar we have developed a unique approach to community engagement which involves working with traditional leaders and associations, and reinforcing traditional culture, rules and customs. Read more

  • Durrell has supported the creation of over 170 community-led associations that provide the basis for the management of natural resources and protection of biodiversity.

  • Over 80 Critically Endangered ploughshare tortoises have been released back to the wild as part of Project Angonoka.

  • There are now over 40 Madagascar pochard within our captive breeding programme, more than double the wild population. The future looks a lot brighter for this species.

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Featured species

Our conservation projects are based in 8 permanent field sites

 

A team of 45 dedicated conservationists working to save species​