2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
57
Text Annex 3: Priority Species
Mine Site Priority Species (terrestrial fauna)
The priority species across all taxonomic groups are listed in
Table 3.1 of the BMP. The highest priority species are those
that may be locally endemic to the mine area and to the
Moramanga region. These include:
3
Liophidium sp. nov. 1.
(unnamed snake) only
sampled in 1997 and of uncertain taxonomy. The
location sampled is number 68, taken at the mine site
in the South Analamay azonal forest. This is a genus
of diurnal snake with seven species described and
others that have not been described.
3
Colonies of
Pilotrochus besmerus
(Myrimicinae
Ant) have been found in a transitional forest near the
western edge of the Analamay azonal conservation
area (site number two). This species is only known in
the Moramanga area.
3
Platipelys sp.
(unnamed arboreal frog) has been
salvaged from the forest of Ambatovy/Analamay and
is being identified by partner organizations. Many
species of this genus are very localized and therefore
this may represent a species endemic to the mine and
surrounding areas.
IUCN Endangered or Critically Endangered Species
The next level of priority relates to species that, while
more widely distributed in Madagascar, are listed by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as
endangered or critically endangered. These include two frogs,
one gecko, one small mammal, four birds and four lemurs.
3
Anas melleri
(Meller’s Duck) and
Ardea humbloti
(Madagascar Heron) have also been seen in the
Torotorofotsy Wetlands.
3
Indri indri
(Indri) has been observed in the azonal
forest, azonal thicket and transitional forest in or near
the Ambatovy and Analamay azonal conservation
areas (T1, T4 and T5) or near these areas.
3
Mantella aurantiaca
and
Mantella crocea
(Golden
Mantella Frog) have been found in azonal vegetation
at Analamay and also in the Torotorofotsy Wetlands.
3
Microgale jobihely
(Northern Shrew Tenrec) was
found in both the forested and cleared areas of the
mine site, which represents a range extension for the
species, previously only known from the Tsaratanana
Forest in northern Madagascar.
3
Phelsuma pronki
(a gecko) has been found in both
forest and cleared areas in the mine area since 2007.
This species is little known except from a few areas of
isolated fragments in the eastern rainforest.
3
Prolemur simus
(Greater Bamboo Lemur) has
been observed once in the mine area and also along
the pipeline area near the Torotorofotsy Wetlands.
Ambatovy is part of an international effort to help
conserve this critically endangered species.
3
Propithecus diadema diadema
(Diademed Sifaka
Lemur) has been spotted in logged areas, azonal
thicket and transitional forest (T1, T4) in or near the
Analamay and Ambatovy azonal conservation areas as
well as in the Torotorofotsy Wetlands (T6).
3
Sarothrura watersii
(Slender-billed Fluff Tail)
was observed in the Torotorofotsy Wetlands and
was known to exist in only one other wetland in
Madagascar. However, this species is now known from
three other regional localities.
3
Tyto soumagnei
(Madagascar Red Owl) has been
seen in the forest in the area of the Ambatovy mine.
3
Varecia variegata
(Black and White Ruffed Lemur)
has been observed in the conservation zones,
although infrequently. This species is patchily
distributed in lowland to mid-altitude rainforests along
the eastern coast. It is, however, common at the
Ankerana offset site.
2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
