Global 200 Ecoregions

New Hope for Preserving Earth's Most Endangered Time Capsule
Madagascar's tropical dry forests

Map of Madagascar ecoregion
 
Major Habitat Type
Tropical Dry Forest

Biogeographic Region
Afrotropics, but Madagascar is unique at a global scale

Location
Africa: Madagascar



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Biological Diversity

The People

The Threat

The Response

The Challenge


Summary


Poverty and the pressure of population growth, combined with rapid deforestation, are threatening to destroy the unique time capsule of evolution that is the island of Madagascar. Around 165 million years ago, Madagascar drifted away from Africa, which allowed its native species to evolve in isolation from the mainland continent. When scientists first discovered the plants and animals of Madagascar - the vast majority of which are found nowhere else in the world - they named it "the naturalist's promised land".

The tropical dry forests of western Madagascar are a typical example of this great natural wealth. They support a diverse assemblage of plants and vertebrates that are largely unique to Madagascar, and which are often restricted to quite small areas.

Madagascar was formerly a heavily forested island. Now, however, although its forests have been recognised as essential to the survival of the island's incredible natural treasures, and have been protected since 1927, vast areas have been cut down and burned to make way for farms and pasture land. Unfortunately, the regions that are protected lack strong financial and logistical support from the government, and many other important areas need some form of protection. WWF is working urgently to strengthen protection, increase local awareness of what is at stake, and create viable alternatives for local communities.

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