James Mougal
- Project name: Improve our knowledge on sooglossid frogs distribution & abundance and develop a monitoring protocol
- Project site: Mahé, Praslin and Silhouette islands, Seychelles
- EDGE species: Gardiner’s Seychelles frog Sechellophryne gardineri, Seychelles palm frog Sechellophryne pipilodryas, Seychelles frog Sooglossus sechellensis & Thomasset’s frog Sooglossus thomasseti
- Active: 2014 - 2017
Biography
James has worked as a researcher in the Seychelles for over 15 years. He has a wealth of experience working with the Ministry of Environment and now the Seychelles National Park Authority, where he has led numerous conservation and research projects.
Through the EDGE Fellowship James was able to expand his knowledge of amphibian survey and research techniques. This project fits within a larger collaboration with the Darwin Initiative entitled ‘A cutting-EDGE approach to saving Seychelles evolutionarily distinct biodiversity’.
EDGE Project
For his EDGE Fellowship James aimed to improve our understanding of sooglossid frogs in order to better inform conservation planning efforts. He did this by:
- Enhancing our knowledge on the four known sooglossid frogs’ ecology, focusing on their distribution patterns and habitat requirements;
- Exploring the current and potential threats posed by introduced species, diseases, climate change, and land use within protected areas;
- Developing a comprehensive conservation action plan to mobilise more funding and action on the ground across all protected areas.
Achievements
- James successfully mapped the distribution of sooglossid frogs in the largest terrestrial national park (Morne Seychellois) within the Seychelles, the first comprehensive survey to be conducted in the area
- James trained the Seychelles Island Foundation staff at the Vallee de Mai world heritage site in sooglossid identification and survey techniques. This is a great boost for conservation efforts, as it will ensure the long-term monitoring of populations in the area
- James has captured all three sooglossid frogs on film for what is thought to be the first time
Project Gallery
