R Safford The Bemamba wetland complex IBA is one of the richest wetlands in western Madagascar. Zoom In

Observations of rare endemic rails in Madagascar

01-03-2000

During a recent visit to Madagascar, Barry Taylor observed an adult Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri at Lake Bemamba, on 21 September 1999.

Sakalava Rail is Critically Endangered and is known from only three wetland areas in lowland western Madagascar. It has suffered greatly from trapping and habitat loss and since 1962 had been recorded only once, at Lake Bemamba in May 1995. The species is extremely shy and difficult to observe, perhaps as a result of persecution. A brief vegetation survey suggested that there might be suitable habitat for perhaps 20-30 pairs of Sakalava Rails at Lake Bemamba. Other wetlands in the region may also have suitable habitat and there is an urgent need to obtain detailed information on the distribution and total population of the bird, and to plan effective conservation measures.

Brief observations in wetlands and forests in the Andasibe region of the eastern rainforest belt also provided useful information on the ecology and behaviour of all the other endemic rails of Madagascar. Especially valuable was the insight gained into the habitat requirements of the Slender-billed Flufftail Sarothrura watersi, another extremely secretive rail. This species is classified as Endangered and has a tiny known population, being recorded only from a few sedge and grass-dominated permanent marshes in the Eastern forest belt. It is under threat from continued habitat loss and appears to be thinly distributed, even at prime sites such as Torotorofotsy marsh where it may exist at a density of no more than 1 pair per 5 ha.

The social organisation of rails is often interesting and sometimes complex. At the Analamazaotra Special Reserve a family party of the endemic, but poorly known, Madagascar Wood-rail Canirallus kioloides was observed extensively. Data obtained indicated that this species is monogamous, has a permanent pair bond and holds a permanent territory. The young remain in the family group for some time after attaining independence, and apparently take some part in territory defence.

Local experts contributed much valuable information on the endemic rails, and special thanks are due to Frank Hawkins, Rivo Rabarisoa and Patrice Rabearisoa for their very valuable contributions to this brief but very rewarding study. Stiftung Avifauna Protecta funded the fieldwork, and staff of Birdlife International, Wetlands International, the Peregrine Fund and the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust gave much assistance. Good potential exists for further work on the endemic rails of Madagascar, and it is hoped to make more detailed studies of the two threatened species during the next year.