Hotspot

2. Hotspot A hotspot is an area with a high concentration of biodiversity. About 75% of the species found in Madagascar live nowhere else on the planet (endemic). Approximately 5% of the world’s species live in Madagascar. The island has lost about 90% of its original vegetation due to deforestation, placing many species in great danger. Madagascar is thought to have more critically endangered primates than anywhere else in the world.

3. Why Madagascar is so diverse An eco-region is an area that contains a distinct biodiversity of flora and fauna Deep, red, nutrient-rich soil in eastern and central Madagascar Broke away from mainland Africa 160 million years ago so species have evolved in isolation. Human populations arrived relatively late – 2000 years ago. Madagascar eco-regions Fourth largest island in the world containing a diverse range of habitats to accommodate a large variety of species The hotspot includes the other small islands near to Madagascar in the Indian Ocean eg. The Seychelles and The Comoros Islands.

4. Madagascar dry deciduous forests The Madagascar dry deciduous forest has high biological importance. While the species diversity is not as high as in the moist eastern forests, the levels of endemism are higher. With estimated plant endemism at 70%. The original forest has now been reduced to a few isolated areas, some of which are now protected. Endemic Species in this region:Golden-crowned sifaka Mongoose lemur Golden-brown mouse lemur Northern rufous mouse lemur Western rufous mouse lemur Perrier's sifaka Milne-Edwards’s sportive lemur Western forest mouse Fossa Side-neck turtle Ploughshare tortoise Various chameleon species, geckos, skinks and lizards. Golden-crowned sifaka Bottle Trees Many plant species are unusual looking as a result of adaptations to the dry climate and hot, exposed conditions.

5. Subhumid/mountainous forest Temperature (°C) in Antananarivo Rainfall (mm) in Antananarivo (average per month) Rainfall is approximately 1,500mm per year and temperatures stay fairly constant between 15°C and 25°C. Endemic Species in this region: Alaotran gentle lemur A number of shrews, tenrecs and rodents A very large number of birds and reptiles Of the endemic and near-endemic mammal species 12 species listed are on the IUCN Red List, 9 species are considered vulnerable, 2 are endangered and 1 (the Alaotran gentle lemur) is critical. Alaotran gentle lemur

6. Lowland forest The moist forests of eastern Madagascar are the most diverse forests in the country, and contain exceptionally high levels of endemism. 82% of plants here are endemic eg. Malagasy palms and orchids This region has the greatest diversity of birds in Madagascar with 165 different species (42 found nowhere else). About 50 species of reptiles, 29 species of amphibians and more than 100 endemic species of freshwater fish, many of which are severely threatened, are endemic to the lowland forest region. Aye-aye All species of Madagascan primates are found here including 15 endemic species of lemur such as the aye-aye. The mammals in these forests are also highly threatened. Out of 25 endemic and near-endemic species, 22 are threatened: 8 as critical, 9 as endangered and 5 as vulnerable

7. Endemic Species in this region: White-footed sportive lemur Grandidier’s mongoose Chameleons Spider tortoise Radiated tortoise Rock dwelling iguana Various species of gecko and snake 8 species of bird Spiny desert The harsh, drought-prone environment has produced extreme adaptations among the plants found here. For example, extended root systems, swollen storage organs, waxy or reduced leaves. The spiny desert also has the highest percentage of plant endemism in Madagascar. Usually 3-6 metres in height but some plants even top 10 metres

8. Mangroves Found along the Western coastline of Madagascar. The mangroves shelter many mollusc and crustacean communities and have a particularly high diversity among the fish populations while also capturing sediment that threatens reefs and sea grass beds. Birds, sea turtles, the Nile crocodile and dugongs all use mangroves, as do the local people for rice farming, shrimp aquaculture and to obtain construction materials. The habitat is important for migratory bird species eg. the common ringed plover, crab plover, gray plover, African spoonbilland great white egret. Some sea turtles and hawksbill turtlenest along the western coast and are occasionally found in mangroves. Endemic Species in this region: Madagascar heron Madagascar teal Madagascar plover Madagascar fish eagle Madagascar kingfisher

9. Threats to biodiversity Since humans arrived in Madagascar about 2000 years ago over 90% of the original forest cover has disappeared, and forest destruction continues at a rapid pace. This means that virtually all the unique habitats and endemic animals of Madagascar face significant threats. It now has the greatest number of critically endangered primates of any country in the world. Forests - Intentional burning to clear land for grazing and agriculture (this also sparks uncontrolled wildfires) - Legal and illegal commercial logging - Increasing human population means there is an increased need to exploit resources available - International trade of rare species and illegal collections • Desert • Exploited for charcoal and firewood production - Clearing for corn and maize crops and grazing domesticated species eg. cattle and goats - Climate change has lead to increased droughts - Invasive species eg. prickly pear, rubber vine Mangroves River, wetland, and lake systems are threatened with siltation resulting from deforestation, soil erosion and surface run-off from the central highlands after urban development. Lakes and wetland habitats are also being destroyed through rice paddy cultivation, overfishing, and invasive species (e.g. water hyacinth).

10. Conservation Focuses on building recognition of the importance of sustainable management of natural resources within human society and the conservation of biodiversity in the face of global climate change. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is globally recognized as the most authoritative, objective analysis of species at risk of extinction. 221 Madagascan species are on the list. Madagascan government set up a 5 year program for conservation and sustainable management: 16,131 km² officially protected in national parks or reserves with plans to triple the area protected with international investment. Conservation International and other partners in Madagascar expanded identified a total of 132 Key Biodiversity Areas for future protection so these large areas are still currently vulnerable. A number of successful breeding programs have been set up in nature reserves including lemurs and tortoises which have been reintroduced into the wild. Lemur species, particularly the brown lemur are critical to the regeneration of the forests because they are some of the few and potentially most important seed dispersers in the forests.

11. The Masoala National Park is a spectacular natural laboratory for scientific research and there may be thousands of species which remain to be discovered and studied by science here. Conservation Madagascar has 22 national parks and reserves eg. Masoala National Park The Masoala National Park is the largest protected area in Madagascar and it alone comes fifth in the world in terms of biodiversity richness. The Masoala NP is made up of seven different units, including three marine parks. Masoala is the richest in terms of rare species including palms, serpent eagles and ten species of lemurs. The national park is covered by rainforest and coastal forest that together contain all of the species which make the region famous for its biodiversity. Some species like the red-ruffed lemur are endemic here so are found nowhere else in Madagascar or the world.

12. Plants Madagascar's flora is one of the world's richest, with huge numbers of species found nowhere else. 80% of its 10,000 to 12,000 plant species are endemic (including more than 1000 species of orchids). Nine plant families are found nowhere else in the world. There are 7 species of baobab tree in Madagascar and only one found elsewhere in the world (in mainland Africa).

13. Animals Unique to the island are around: 70 types of lemurs 223 out of the 226 known species of frog 33 species of tenrecs Bush baby Fossa Madagascar’s largest predator. Ring-tailed Lemurs