Environmental problems in Madagascar

Nature washed away into the sea

Madagascar is bleeding soil, carried away by erosion into the West Indian Ocean. In the highlands, deep gashes caused by deforestation are leaving the land bare in many places, while excessive hunting is killing off the island’s emblematic species, including the lemur.

The principle threats to Madagascar's biodiversity come from the small-scale, but widespread clearance of habitats, primarily for firewood and charcoal production. Secondary threats are caused by subsistence agriculture, livestock grazing, and invasive species.

Loss of natural habitat

Most of Madagascar's dry forests have been cleared for slash-and-burn agriculture, pasture, firewood, or construction materials. Most of this previously forested area is now covered by secondary grasslands and what remains of the forest is being gnawed away by burning of surrounding degraded savannas.

Mangroves are faring relatively better. However, little has been done to protect these ecosystems which are sensitive to urban development, overfishing and introduced fish species.

Erosion

As Madagascar's forests continue to be cut, all that remains is a red trail that runs down the rivers into the sea. Soil erosion, which corresponds to the loss of topsoil, is leaving the land naked and unfit for agriculture. Downstream, increased sediment loads are silting estuaries and smothering sensitive marine habitats. The result? Marine species lose their home, and fisher folk lose their source of income.

Species loss and wildlife trade

The freshwater fishes of Madagascar are considered the island's most endangered vertebrates. Habitat degradation, siltation, temperature increases, agriculture and overfishing are considered the main causes of species decline. Introduced fish species have already replaced many native species in inland lakes and streams.

Trade for pets and plants have also weakened populations of endemic animals and vegetation, especially amphibians, reptiles and succulent plants.