Published 5 December 2022 at 11.36
Foreign. Madagascar exhibits enormous biological diversity where most plant and animal species are found nowhere else on earth. But the rich life on the island is acutely threatened, researchers from over 50 different organizations and universities write in the journal Science.
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In two articles in the scientific journal Science, scientists and more than 50 other organizations worldwide present a major review of Madagascar's biodiversity.
By combining the latest observations from the island with new techniques for predicting conservation status, the researchers were able to assess the threats to diversity on land and freshwater.
Their analyzes showed that overexploitation, for example through hunting and the harvesting of plant species, as well as unsustainable agricultural practices negatively affect 62.1% and 56.8% of vertebrate species respectively. In the case of plants, almost 90% of all species are affected. The researchers conclude that our knowledge of Madagascar's biodiversity and its decline indicates an urgent need for action.
Madagascar is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, with a unique collection of plants, animals and fungi, most of which have evolved on the island and are found nowhere else. The researchers estimate that there are 11,516 described species of native Malagasy vascular plants, of which 82% only grow on the island. Among the 1,314 species of native terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates, the figure is even higher – with 90% endemism overall.
The research team compiled available Red List data on plants and vertebrates and used machine learning to predict the extinction risks of plant species lacking previous assessments. Only a third of all Malagasy plant species have been assessed, yet researchers found that Madagascar is home to a disproportionately large number of evolutionarily unique and globally threatened species.
The two scientific articles in Science highlight the importance of understanding the origin, evolution, current distribution and use of Madagascar's biodiversity. It is described as crucial to highlight its global importance and guide urgent conservation efforts.
– There is a wealth of data on the biodiversity of the world. But it is not collected. In our research team, we have many different expertises and this has made it possible to get a helicopter perspective on Madagascar's diversity, says Allison Perrigo, director of the Gothenburg Center for Global Biodiversity Studies, GGBC at the University of Gothenburg.
The researchers describe biological diversity as the greatest opportunity and the most valuable asset for Madagascar's future development and for the sustainable future and well-being of its citizens.
– Madagascar's biodiversity and landscape have changed dramatically in recent decades. Saving Madagascar's diversity is everyone's responsibility, including civil society and policy makers, now is the time to take action, says Hélène Ralimanana of the Kew Madagascar Conservation Center and lead author of the one study.