#madagascar animals

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Extinct species #7: the Onilahy river cichlid

The Onilahy river cichlid (Ptychochromis onilahy) was a small, ~9 cm big cichlid species endemic to the Onilahy river in Madagascar. Not much is known about it, as it was only seen in 1962, when 5 individuals were collected. Since then, the species wasn't seen, and was declared extinct.

Extinction: like many other Madagascar endemic species, habitat degradation and invasive species quickly decreased their population. Although multiple researchers visiting the region, the species probably went extinct around 1962.

You can use this drawing if you want, but please credit me!

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The radiated tortoise is known and named for its beautifully patterned shell.  Each tortoise has a completely unique pattern on its shell, as identifiable as a human fingerprint.  This allows researchers to recognise individual animals and do accurate population counts.  Unfortunately, this beautiful shell has led to the tortoise being extremely popular in the pet trade, and over-exploitation is one of the major issues facing the species.

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Possibly the most famous radiated tortoise in the world was a female animal named Tu’i Malila (King Malila), a pet kept by the royal family of Tonga.  Legend says that Tu’i Malila was given to the royal family by captain James Cook in 1777.  Another story of her origin is that George Tupou I purchased her off a ship in the early 19th century.  Whatever the truth, Tu’i Malila was a treasured pet and national symbol, and her guests included the British royal family.  She died in 1965 of natural causes, with her age estimated at 188 years old, making her the longest-lived tortoise whose age has been verified.  Her preserved body (last image) is kept at the Royal Palace of Tonga.

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